On Friday, Oct. 20 Shake Shack opened their doors in Westfield UTC Shopping Center. Possibly one of the highest-anticipated openings of the expansion project this year, one thing was made obvious rather quickly – people really seem to love this place. This was exemplified through a line of prospective diners that ran all the way from the register, out the thoroughfare and all the way to the exits of the mall. “What the public has seen the past couple of days,” said Aaron Tunney, general manager of Shake Shack at Westfield UTC. “I’ve heard it from many people, ‘you guys are so busy right now’ and, honestly, that’s the easy part. The hardest part has been finding 70 people to man the store in such a short time frame.”
Shake Shack is a nationwide burger chain with a “roadside” burger stand feel that has developed a cult-worthy following. Initially starting out as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in New York City in 2004, the business spread rapidly from the East Coast. As the name would insist, Shake Shack’s specialties include burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and frozen custard. Not to be stopped there, however, Shake Shack also serves beer and wine as well. While there is surely something for everyone on Shake Shack’s straightforward menu, the classic Shack Burger, complete with lettuce, tomato and Shack sauce is a great place to start out. For non-meat eaters, Shake Shack offers a crisp-fried portobello mushroom burger with both Muenster and cheddar cheese and traditional toppings. Having a poultry craving instead? Shake Shack also offers a fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, pickles and herb mayonnaise. Not much could prove more comforting than their bacon cheese fries, but one thing that may set them apart from any major burger chain is their “dessert” options. Shake Shack has a variety of flavors of hand-spun shakes on their menu, ranging from the decadent peanut butter, coffee, and more traditional strawberry and chocolate to name a few. They also offer floats, as well ice cream cups and cones, but one thing they are certainly famous for is their frozen custard. Try the frozen custard with toffee and caramel, for it will not disappoint. “Our popularity on the East Coast has definitely led to the success of our company worldwide,” said Tunney. “It’s truly a concept that makes people’s mouths water. When I was working at our location in LA, people would drive all the way up from San Diego just for lunch. We have such a good product, and our new location in Westfield UTC could not be more appropriate. Honestly, our team is the backbone of this business and what makes us stand apart from our competition. People in San Diego appreciate those things.” Plan eating times accordingly – as soon as the doors open, there is a line down the length of the restaurant. Do not be discouraged, for it is totally worth the wait and friendly service. What: Burgers, chicken sandwiches, frozen custard.
Where:? 4309 La Jolla Village Drive Ste. 2350.
When: Daily, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: 619-391-1570; www.shakeshack.com/location/utc-san-diego-ca.
