Shake Shack continues its creep towards world domination with the New Haven, Connecticut location, which officially opens today. As is the case in many of the burger chain's recent openings, this location is right across the street from a university: Yale. This one even has its own college logo, with, um, burger Latin on it ("In Shack Veritas," "E Burgerus Unum").
No word on the line situation (they open at 11:00AM), but bloggers Blondie and Brownie sent their dad to a press preview. His report: "I grew up nearby the second-ever In-N-Out Burger and had [my] share of their justly famous double doubles but, truth be told, a single ShackBurger outshines a double double from In-N-Out Burger in both flavor and quality." Strong words from a lifelong In-N-Out fan. Here's a press release:
SHAKE SHACK OPENS TODAY IN DOWNTOWN NEW HAVEN
Beloved Burger, Hot Dog and Frozen Custard Stand Makes Elm City DebutNEW YORK, NY – September 13, 2012 – Shake Shack® opens today in the Elm City! Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) is proud to introduce its New Haven Shake Shack located at 986 Chapel Street, across from the New Haven Green and kitty-corner to Yale's Old Campus.
Born in New York City's Madison Square Park in 2004, Shake Shack opened its first Connecticut location July 2011 in Westport. A vibrant community gathering place, Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its all-natural burgers, flat-top dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine, and more.
"New Haven has everything we look for when opening a new Shake Shack. It's a culturally diverse, food-loving city that also happens to have a fun, storied history with the hamburger," said Randy Garutti, Shake Shack CEO. "This Shack brings a welcoming, new food destination to locals, and we hope it becomes a neighborhood hangout and permanent fixture in the community."
Like its siblings, the newest addition to the Shake Shack family was constructed with a variety of recycled and sustainable materials. Its interior walls are clad in wood salvaged from old bleacher seats from the historic Yale Bowl, tabletops were sourced from reclaimed bowling alley lanes, and chairs and booths are made from lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
The New Haven Shake Shack has several design elements that are distinct to this location. To bring the outside in, the storefront features an expansive nineteen-foot high wall made entirely of glass—a Shack first. For a cozy feel, the dining area fireplace is flanked by low profile, community seating. To keep guests connected, computer re-charging stations are found throughout the restaurant and free Wi-Fi is available.
"University Properties is delighted to welcome Shake Shack to New Haven," said Abigail Rider, Director of University Properties. "Danny Meyer has elevated the roadside burger stand to high art, and a cosmopolitan foodie mecca like New Haven is a perfect location for his creation."
The New Haven menu features all the Shake Shack classics, as well as a nod to Yale's mascot, Handsome Dan, with a new hot dog aptly named, The Handsome Dog (Vienna all-beef dog topped with Shack cheese sauce and crispy ShackMeister Ale marinated onions). Plus, bottled root beer from East Haven's family-run beverage brand, Foxon Park, is available.
A selection of frozen custard concretes is also offered, with names and ingredients that pay homage to the local community. Bulldogs fans can rally their next ice cream craving around the Boola Boola Blue (vanilla custard, blueberry jam, slice of lemon pie). Other New Haven-specific concretes include the Skull & Cones (chocolate and vanilla custard, shattered sugar cone, peanut butter sauce, chocolate truffle cookie dough), and Elm City Coffee Break (vanilla custard, coffee cake marshmallow sauce, shortbread cookie, caramelized pecans).
As part of its community outreach efforts and mission to Stand for Something Good®, the New Haven Shake Shack is partnering with Solar Youth, a local non-profit that empowers youth through environmental exploration, leadership, and community service. Five percent of sales from the Elm City Coffee Break concrete will benefit Solar Youth, and Shake Shack staff will volunteer at events affiliated with the organization.
· In Shack Veritas! Shake Shack New Haven Opens Today [Blondie and Brownie]
· All Shake Shack Coverage on Eater [-E-]