Business Spotlight

A Unique Neighborhood with Thriving Businesses

November 2019 Business Spotlight

Shake Shack

Meet the Owners

Shake Shack was founded by St. Louis native Danny Meyer, a restaurateur and Union Square Hospitality Group CEO. Part of Meyer’s approach to being a restaurateur is being active in the community. In the early 2000s, Meyer helped spearhead the redevelopment efforts in Madison Square Park in New York City by creating the Madison Square Park Conservancy. What started as a Chicago-style hot dog vendor at a 2001 fundraiser led to a permanent kiosk in 2004-- the original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. The park kiosk was highly successful, leading to its chain expansion beginning in 2010.

Shake Shack is a modern version of the classic roadside burger stand. The restaurant’s motto, “stand for something good,” is a play on words as a throwback to their origin as a food stand and the way the company filters every decision. Whether that’s the way its employees are treated, where they source their ingredients or their approach to community involvement, the company leans into this phrase to operate a brand and business they can be proud of. “It’s a throwback to the American smash-style cheeseburger, fries, milkshakes-- all the things that put smiles on people’s faces,” says Ryan.

The Business

The Euclid South Shake Shack opened in December 2017, and Ryan moved from Philadelphia to St. Louis to open this location. Founder Danny Meyer wanted to bring a location to his hometown and wanted it to function as a warm community gathering space. The Central West End neighborhood seemed a good fit with its walkability, mixed-use buildings, and proximity to Forest Park and the medical centers.

Shake Shack employs about 50 people. The restaurant offers “fine casual” dining, which balances the attention to detail and quality of fine dining with the accessibility of casual dining. To Ryan, this makes Shake Shack unique, along with its approach to hospitality. “Just because you’re ordering at a counter doesn’t mean you can’t get the same level of hospitality you would get at a full-service restaurant.” And that hospitality starts with how the staff takes care of each other, which Ryan hopes that customers can feel each time they come in.

The company aims to have 450 domestic locations in the next five years, with one-third of its business international. Shake Shack will continue striving for an intelligent, well-executed concept for investors while staying true to its roots, with each location being unique and “of the community.”

Community Impact

Shake Shack believes in extending hospitality beyond the restaurant’s walls, and one way the Euclid South location does this is through its partnership with Forest Park Forever. 5% of all sales from the Pie Oh My Concrete (seasonal pies from local vendors blended into ice cream) go to Forest Park Forever. Shake Shack offers team members volunteer opportunities at fundraising events for Forest Park Forever. This gives staff a chance to spend time with each other, leaders and managers, all while doing good for a local cause. The restaurant also works with local food banks and values volunteering.

One thing Ryan wants the Central West End neighborhood to know about the business is that it strives to be unique and specific to the area. He wants Shake Shack to be a part of the community rather than an outsider moving in. Some of his favorite things about the neighborhood are how close it is to Forest Park, the frequency of events happening there, and the number of visitors that come through to explore the area from these events. Ryan is proud to see Shake Shack as a place that provides meals for people working nearby and as a hangout spot for nearby residents.

Shake Shack is opening a new Ladue Crossing Shopping Center location this Spring!

To learn more about Shake Shack, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or visit their website.

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