Shake Shack Shanghai-bound

Just a month after US fast-food chain Shake Shack announced it would open in Hong Kong, the company has confirmed its first Mainland China store, in Shanghai.

Both the Shake Shack Shanghai and Hong Kong stores are scheduled to open next year and will be operated by Maxim’s Caterers, a division of Hong Kong-listed Dairy Farm International and which operates Starbucks in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Cambodia, among other brands.

Shake Shack has signed an agreement with Maxim’s to open 25 outlets in Shanghai and East China between 2018 and 2028.

“There’s incredible opportunity in China and I couldn’t think of a better place to begin this chapter of our story than Shanghai, a city that understands great brands, appreciates premium ingredients, and ultimately loves food,” said Randy Garutti, Shake Shack’s CEO.

“The city’s streets overflow with vibrant flavors and energy every day and we can’t wait to join Shanghai’s thriving food community.”

Shake Shack describes itself as a “modern day roadside burger stand” known for 100 per cent all-natural Angus beef burgers and flat-top Vienna beef dogs,  all-natural, cage-free chicken, spun-fresh frozen custard and crinkle-cut fries. It eschews hormones and antibiotics in its meats.

Maxim’s Caterers Limited has more than 60 years of experience in food and retail as a diversified operator of full-service and quick-service restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops in Asia.

Since the original Shake Shack opened in 2004 in New York City’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 80 locations in 18 US states and the District of Columbia, and more than 50 international locations including London, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow and Seoul. And now Shake Shack Shanghai and Hong Kong.