Oct. 27--Cult burger stand Shake Shack will open its first Chicago location in River North on Nov. 4.
What began as a shack with snaking lines in New York's Madison Square Park a decade ago has turned into a international empire for restaurateur Danny Meyer. Shake Shack now has locations as far flung as Moscow and Dubai, and has already announced a second location in Chicago at the corner of Michigan and Madison, slated to open in 2015.
Civilians and food industry folks seem to love the "ingredient-driven" ethos of Shake Shack. A few months back, I asked a few food media friends whether Shake Shack coming to Chicago is a big deal. The answer was an emphatic yes.
As for the first Chicago location, at 66 E. Ohio, the grand opening will take place 11 a.m. next Tuesday. There will be several Chicago-specific items, including frozen custards with Bang Bang Pie's s'mores pies and Glazed and Infused's salted caramel doughnuts. Hot dogs will use Vienna Beef wieners. And for adults, yes, there is a liquor license too: Local craft beers and wines are on the menu.
kpang@tribune.com
Twitter @pang
