Shake Shack to Unleash Its First London Location in 2013

Shake Shack continues its march toward world burger domination with word today that Danny Meyer is opening the chain's first-ever London location. Bloomberg reports that Shake Shack will open in the Market Building in Covent Garden in mid-2013, bowing to the demands of what Meyer describes as "an enormous number of friends in London." It's the Union Square Hospitality Group's first location in the UK and Meyer further explains in a release that he is "positively in love with London's thriving food culture."

Bloomberg food critic Richard Vines also discovers that Shake Shack trademarks have been registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office in 2005, 2006 and 2011. While Shake Shack has been on a tear on American soil in the past couple of years, it has long had non-US locations in Dubai and Kuwait City. Shake Shack's move to London isn't terribly surprising given Meyer's previous expressions of interest in opening a restaurant there — could Shake Shack be a trojan horse for future USHG ventures in London? Here's the press release.

DANNY MEYER'S UNION SQUARE HOSPITALITY GROUP
TO BRING SHAKE SHACK TO LONDON MID-2013

Beloved Burger Stand Finds New Home in Covent Garden

NEW YORK, NY – November 20, 2012 – Get ready London, Shake Shack® is on the way! Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) is proud to announce it will bring its first-ever restaurant across the pond when it opens Shake Shack in London's Covent Garden in mid-2013.

Born in New York City's Madison Square Park in 2004, Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its addictively delicious all-natural burgers, flat-top dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more. A fun and lively community gathering place, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

"For years an enormous number of friends in London have asked us when we would bring our first restaurant to their home," said Danny Meyer, CEO of USHG. "We've looked high and wide for just the right time and spot, and at last we've found it. We're positively in love with London's thriving food culture, and are humbled and excited to bring Shake Shack to the UK."

With its fine dining heritage, Shake Shack is an integral part of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) which owns and operates some of New York City's most celebrated restaurants: Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, Maialino, North End Grill, Blue Smoke, Jazz Standard, and Untitled at the Whitney.

Union Square Hospitality Group has earned an unprecedented 25 James Beard Awards, as well as many other media accolades. In addition, the USHG family of restaurants–Shake Shack included–has consistently appeared on Zagat's annual list of New York's Favorite Restaurants.

Shake Shack will be located in the historic Market Building near the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden. Covent Garden appealed to Shake Shack for its stirring historic architecture, and its nearly four-century tradition as a flourishing, culture-rich shopping and food destination enjoyed by Londoners and visitors alike. Shake Shack's outdoor seating will flank the columns on South Row, and the Shack will extend into the expansive glass atrium on the Piazza, where additional seating will be available.

Shake Shack London will feature recycled and sustainable materials, as well as energy-efficient kitchen equipment and lighting throughout the space. The menu will showcase all the Shake Shack classics, and items available only at this location.

For more information, including a list of all current Shake Shacks, please visit www.shakeshack.com.

· Shake Shack to Open in London as Meyer Finds Site [Bloomberg]
· All Shake Shack Coverage on Eater [-E-]