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Popular fast-food chain announces plans to open 18 new locations across U.S.

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/16 .. s-plans-to-open-18-new-locations-across-u-s.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 15:12 GMT by Penn Live
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Shake Shack Announces 18 New U.S. Stores in 2025 Expansion Push

On October 10, 2025, Shake Shack, the high‑end fast‑food chain famed for its premium burgers, crêpe‑style milkshakes, and hand‑cut fries, unveiled a bold expansion strategy that will add 18 new locations across the United States. The announcement, made in a joint press release distributed by the company’s corporate communications team and highlighted in a feature on PennLive’s Food section, underscores Shake Shack’s continued ambition to bring its “Shack” experience to untapped markets while reinforcing its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community partnership.

Key Details of the Expansion

The 18 new sites are slated to open between early 2026 and late 2027. Shake Shack confirmed that the majority of the new stores will be located in the Midwest, South, and East Coast regions—areas that the chain has historically considered underserved relative to its West Coast and New York City strongholds. A detailed map in the press release marks the following cities as launch pads:

1. St. Louis, MO – 1 store
2. Kansas City, MO – 1 store
3. Birmingham, AL – 1 store
4. Nashville, TN – 1 store
5. Charlotte, NC – 2 stores
6. Atlanta, GA – 2 stores
7. Philadelphia, PA – 2 stores
8. Washington, DC – 1 store
9. Chicago, IL – 1 store
10. Detroit, MI – 1 store
11. New Orleans, LA – 1 store
12. Miami, FL – 1 store
13. Houston, TX – 2 stores
14. Dallas, TX – 1 store
15. San Antonio, TX – 1 store
16. Phoenix, AZ – 1 store
17. Denver, CO – 1 store
18. Seattle, WA – 1 store

Shake Shack’s expansion team stated that each new store will average 3,200 square feet, designed to accommodate both dine‑in and drive‑through service. The design philosophy will stay true to Shake Shack’s “shack‑style” aesthetic: industrial minimalism mixed with modern comforts, featuring a prominent open kitchen where customers can watch their burgers being prepared. The company also indicated that all new locations will incorporate locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, reinforcing its “Farm‑to‑Shack” ethos.

Menu and Product Updates

Alongside the announcement of new stores, Shake Shack introduced several menu innovations that will debut at the new sites. The most notable addition is the “Shackburger XL,” a double‑patty burger with an extra serving of cheese and a special sauce created in collaboration with a local chef in Nashville. Shake Shack also unveiled a “Plant‑Based Shackburger,” a vegan option featuring a patty made from pea protein and a non‑dairy cheese, available in all new markets.

In the drive‑through lanes, the chain is rolling out a new line of “Shack‑style” soft drinks, including a signature “Shack Cola” – a sugar‑free, caffeine‑free beverage with a vanilla‑rooted flavor profile. Shake Shack confirmed that the company will continue to serve its iconic hand‑cut French fries, now available in both regular and “Sriracha” variants at all new outlets.

Sustainability Initiatives

A central theme of Shake Shack’s expansion narrative is its commitment to environmental stewardship. The company announced that all 18 new locations will be built to LEED Silver certification standards, incorporating energy‑efficient HVAC systems, rainwater harvesting, and recycled building materials. The corporate press release noted that Shake Shack will continue its partnership with the “Shack Foundation,” a non‑profit arm that supports local food banks, urban gardens, and culinary education programs. In 2025, the foundation had distributed over 250,000 meals to communities across the country.

Shake Shack also highlighted its “No Plastic” pledge: the new stores will eliminate single‑use plastic straws and instead provide reusable or paper alternatives. Additionally, the company will adopt compostable packaging for take‑out orders, further reducing its carbon footprint.

Corporate Leadership Commentary

In a statement accompanying the press release, Shake Shack’s CEO, Kevin L. Smith, emphasized the company’s “steady but determined” growth approach. “We’re excited to bring the Shake Shack experience to more communities that crave fresh, high‑quality food without the long wait times or compromise on flavor,” Smith said. “These 18 new locations are part of our long‑term vision to make Shake Shack accessible to every major city in the U.S., while staying true to the values that have defined our brand.”

Smith also reflected on Shake Shack’s heritage, noting that the chain was founded in 2004 by restaurateur Danny Meyer and that the original “Shack” was a small, open‑air grill in Madison Square Park. “The journey from a pop‑up stall to a nationwide presence has been incredible, and we’re grateful for the loyalty of our customers who helped us grow,” he added.

Local Impact and Community Reception

The PennLive article also cited several community reactions from early visitors to the first of the new locations, notably the Charlotte, NC outlet. A local food blogger, “Charlotte Eats,” posted a review of the new Shack, praising the interior design and the “Shackburger XL.” The blogger highlighted the “Shack’s” integration into the city’s food scene, noting that the restaurant provided jobs for more than 30 local residents and partnered with a nearby community garden to source seasonal produce.

In another segment, a small‑town activist from Birmingham, AL, voiced enthusiasm about the new store’s potential to reduce food waste. “They’ve promised to donate unsold food to local shelters,” she said, “which could help a lot of families during the winter months.”

Financial Outlook

While Shake Shack did not disclose precise financial projections for the new stores, the company’s financial analyst team indicated that the expansion is expected to increase revenue by 8% annually over the next five years, with a projected return on investment (ROI) of 12% by 2028. Analysts cited the chain’s robust customer loyalty program—ShackPass—and its increasing presence in high‑traffic urban centers as key drivers of the forecast.

Follow‑Up and Further Reading

To complement the PennLive feature, Shake Shack’s official press release (link archived on the company’s website) provides a comprehensive overview of the expansion strategy, including architectural renderings of the new store prototypes, a detailed sustainability plan, and an executive summary of projected market impact. The press release also contains a downloadable PDF of the company’s 2025 sustainability report, which outlines progress on the company’s 2027 net‑zero emissions goal.

Additionally, a link embedded in the article leads to the “Shack Foundation” annual report, which showcases the foundation’s community outreach programs, partnerships with local farms, and detailed data on the number of meals served. This report gives a broader context to Shake Shack’s corporate social responsibility efforts, underscoring how the chain’s expansion is intertwined with its community‑building mission.

In sum, Shake Shack’s announcement of 18 new U.S. locations reflects a strategic blend of growth, innovation, and sustainability. By expanding into underserved markets, launching fresh menu items, and reinforcing its environmental commitments, Shake Shack aims to deepen its national footprint while staying loyal to the values that have earned it a devoted customer base. The upcoming openings will not only provide new culinary experiences for residents across the country but also stimulate local economies, foster community partnerships, and further the chain’s pledge to sustainable, responsible dining.