March 17--Shake Shack plans to open its third Chicago-area location at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, the upscale burger chain confirmed Tuesday.
Shake Shack opened its first Chicago restaurant, at 66 E. Ohio Street, in November. It plans to open a second Chicago location, in a planned hotel at the Chicago Athletic Association building in mid-2015, followed by the Old Orchard location, which should open by the end of the year.
Shake Shack said the mall location, at 4999 Old Orchard Center, would occupy part of the space currently used by Talbot's. The restaurant will face into the outdoor mall area across from Macy's and have a large outdoor patio, spokesman Edwin Bragg said. Talbot's will keep a portion of its current space, Bragg said.
Westfield Old Orchard has added a number of restaurants in recent years, including Epic Burger and Blaze Pizza, which both cater to diners looking for a quick yet upscale meal. The mall caters to a mix of shoppers, with stores including Gap, Henri Bendel, Macy's, Nordstrom, Tesla and Tiffany Co.
Shake Shack's menu includes burgers made with hormone and antibiotic-free beef, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer and wine.
The growing chain began in 2001 as a cart selling Chicago-style Vienna Beef hot dogs in New York's Madison Square Park. It was started by restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, which runs fine-dining restaurants such as Union Square Cafe, and went public in February.
Shake Shack is eager to expand, with near-term plans to open at least 10 U.S. locations per year. The chain had 63 locations at the end of 2014, including 31 company-operated U.S. shops. Shake Shack has said it sees the potential for at least 450 U.S. company-operated locations. Last week, it predicted revenue would hit $159 million to $163 million this year, up from $118.5 million in 2014.
Shake Shack's plan to open in Skokie was previously reported by Crain's Chicago Business.
jwohl@tribpub.com
