WILMINGTON — A fast-food burger restaurant unlocked its doors off Military Cutoff Road on Wednesday.
Crowds of people lined the sidewalk for opening day at Shake Shack, a business franchise that started in 2001 as a hot dog cart in New York’s Madison Square Park. With a menu centered on hot dogs at first, the brick-and-mortar kiosk expanded to add a burger, shakes and crinkle cut fries.
Fast forward more than two decades later and there are over 600 restaurants globally, the bulk of 430 stateside. Wilmington’s store is located in front of Total Wine and More in a 3,000-square-foot building with outdoor seating but no drive-thru. Though it’s the first in southeastern North Carolina, it’s the twelfth location in the state.
According to Shake Shack spokesperson Kate DeMarco, the addition will help the company meet their 1,500 store goal.
“Shake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients,” DeMarco said. “It’s known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more.”
One of its most popular items is the ShackBurger, available as a single or double beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and proprietary sauce known as Shack Sauce. The restaurant also sells a SmokeShack, topped with bacon and cherry peppers, or a ShackStack, topped with a portabello fried mushroom.
Limited-time offers include burgers or sandwiches topped with pimento cheese or barbecue sauce and crispy fried onions.
Among the brand’s varied burgers are flat-top hot dogs, split and served with numerous toppings, plus a veggie burger, fried chicken sandwiches and lettuce wraps. There are multitudes of drinks and sweet treats, including shakes (Tiramisu, chocolate blackout pudding, strawberry), floats, frozen custards and lemonades.
The grand opening on Wednesday, April 22, is also a fundraiser for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. One dollar will be donated from every sandwich sold on opening day.
“We are always looking to support the communities where we open locations, and our opening day donation is just one way we do so,” DeMarco said, whether through Donation Days in support of local schools and organizations or giveaways and fundraiser donations.
During fiscal year 2024, Shake Shack gave away over $60,000 worth of food to local communities including to first responders, nonprofits, hospitals, and schools, in an effort to uplift communities and combat food insecurity. It’s part of the company’s Stand for Something Good program.
The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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