As one of the most popular burger chains in America, not named McDonald’s, Shake Shack has its sights set on expansion in a big way. In January 2025, the company announced its plans to operate “at least” 1,500 restaurants in the long term, a whopping 356% increase in the number of restaurants it has today.
This means there will be a massive expansion for this beloved chain with its excellent french fries, burgers, and milkshakes. At the end of 2024, Shake Shack only had 329 restaurants as part of its US footprint, so there is no question it’s setting its sights on becoming a formidable force for fast food in various markets around the country.
15. Why People Love Shake Shack
Shake Shack has won over its fans time and time again.
The biggest question anyone should be asking is why Shake Shack is so beloved that it plans to open over 1,500 new locations in the near future successfully. First and foremost, the chain is known for its high-quality, gourmet-style burgers that use 100% Angus beef. Coupled with outstanding milkshakes and french fries, there’s something that feels tastier and more upscale than McDonald’s.
14. Specific Things To Enjoy At Shake Shack
The most important thing to try is the company’s secret sauce.
First and foremost, you can’t stop at Shake Shack without trying out the brand’s “Shacksauce” secret sauce. Described as being “creamy and tangy,” this is something fans of this restaurant love more than anything else. The same can be said for its crinkle-cut fries, which saw fans revolt online the last time the restaurant tried to take them off the menu.
13. Is Shake Shack Overrated?
Any questions about Shake Shack being overrated should be shut down.
With all this conversation around new store openings, the question becomes whether Shake Shack is overrated. Some people may find the hype too much, so it’s easy to be let down. However, the reality is that most online reviews point out little things, such as the burgers being smaller than anticipated. Still, the overall verdict always points to the milkshakes and fries making any trip worthwhile.
12. The Best Milkshakes
Going to Shake Shack and not getting a milkshake is wrong.
You can point to many reasons to visit a Shake Shack, but none is more important than stopping by to grab a Brownie Batter Hot Cocoa shake, a personal favorite. Of course, you have standards like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, but you haven’t lived until you have tried the Thai Iced Tea Shake or the Cherry Blossom Shake.
11. Six-Point Plan
The company CEO has a six-point plan to grow the brand.
As part of the company’s efforts to open up new stores in 2025 and beyond, Shake Shack has introduced a six-point strategy, according to CEO Rob Lynch. This includes 1) Bolstering its leadership, 2) Optimizing restaurant operations, 3) Driving comp sales by boosting the frequency of returning guests, 4) Building and operating Shake Shack with “best-in-class returns,” 5) Accelerating its licensed business, 6) Investing in long-term strategic capabilities.
10. Sterling, Virginia
Get ready Sterling, Virginia as a new location is coming soon.
- Anticipated opening date: February/March 2025
The newest Shake Shack location arriving in the US will occupy a 3,000-square-foot space previously occupied by a McDonald’s. Located at 21000 Southbank St., the area will open as part of the Cascades Marketplace shopping center.
9. Short Pump, Virginia
- Anticipated opening date: 2025
Short Pump, Virginia, should be excited for its newest location.
Scheduled to arrive as part of a mixed-use development including 100 condominiums, the newest Shake Shack in the Richmond area will be ready sometime in 2025. This marks the third location in Richmond as the company looks to dominate up and down the East Coast.
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
University students will soon have one more fast food option available.
- Anticipated opening date: Late 2025
Opening toward the end of 2025 near the University of Cincinnati at 259 Calhoun Street, the newest Shake Shake is ready to cater to university students galore. Centrally located near University Square, there is every reason to believe this location will be a bona fide hit.
7. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is ready for its next Shake Shack location to arrive.
- Anticipated opening date: Late 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina residents better prepare as a new Shake Shack is coming to the Charlotte Premium Outlets near the Saks Off 5th Avenue entrance. This is the perfect combination of shopping and milkshakes for residents of the area.
6. Mount Kisco, New York
Get ready, Mount Kisco. Your next Shake Shack is almost here.
- Anticipated opening date: Summer 2025
Arriving in Mount Kisco, New York, in 2025, this new Shake Shack is set to open at 176 N. Bedford Road. The space, formerly occupied by Dunkin’ Donuts, will be the company’s first in Westchester, New York.
5. Long Island, New York
Long Island will soon be home to the first Shake Shack drive-through.
- Anticipated opening date: Late 2025
Get ready, Long Island, New York, as a new Shake Shack is coming in 2025, and this time, it’s arriving with a drive-through. Shake Shack had to receive special permits to open up this location at the corner of Blue Point and Middle Country roads.
4. Holbrook, New York
Crumbl cookies and Shake Shack are the perfect combination of dining.
- Anticipated opening date: Late 2025
A new Shake Shack is coming along with the opening of a new shopping center on Sunrise Highway in The Shops at SunVet in Holbrook. The chain is set to be located near Crumbl Cookies, Whole Foods, Nordstrom Rack, Sephora, and other popular shopping destinations.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Sorry, Wahlburgers, a new Atlanta burger spot, is ready to take over.
- Anticipated opening date: 2025
Shake Shack is surprisingly replacing an outgoing Wahlburgers location at Heritage Court and Battery Ave. Along with eight other Shake Shack locations in the Atlanta area, this location will be the first restaurant among any of the company’s locations in the US to have a bar.
2. Naples, Florida
This Naples location will be Florida’s 21st Shake Shack.
- Anticipated opening date: TBD (sometime in 2025)
A new Shake Shack at 9105 Strada Place will become the 21st Florida location. While the company’s efforts have been concentrated in the tri-county and Orlando areas, this marks the chain’s first attempt to dominate the west coast of Florida.
1. Elk Grove, California
Another Shake Shack is getting ready to battle In-And-Out in California.
- Anticipated opening date: End of 2025, early 2026
The fourth Shake Shack location is a highly anticipated option that will arrive before the end of the year at the intersection of Big Horn Blvd and Wymark Drive. While the shopping center is still under construction, the hope is that it will take less than a year for this new Elk Grove, California, location to open.
Top Gaining Stocks
Top Losing Stocks