Alshaya opens first Shake Shack outlet in Kuwait

06 Jul 2011

Famed burger chain now open at The Avenues - plans for brand expansion across the Middle East

Shake Shack made its much-anticipated entry into Kuwait today when it opened the doors for business in The Avenues Mall. The iconic burger brand from Madison Square Park – New York is owned and operated by M. H. Alshaya Co. in the Middle East. The opening of the new Shake Shack in Kuwait follows on fast from an opening in Dubai, confirming the appeal of the brand outside of the USA and setting the stage for wider expansion across the Middle East.

Shake Shack is a modern 'roadside' burger stand serving the most delicious burgers - made from 100% all-natural American Black Angus beef guaranteed free from hormones and antibiotics, plus hotdogs, shakes, crinkle fries, frozen custards (premium Ice Cream) and other much loved American Classics. Shake Shack has already proved to be a huge hit in Dubai where it opened in April and is now expanding throughout the region with Alshaya, with plans to launch 6-8 outlets across the Middle East by the end of 2012.

The new Shake Shack at The Avenues was officially opened by Danny Meyer, legendary American restaurateur and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, of which Shake Shack is a part, and Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M. H. Alshaya Co. Also present to celebrate the opening were David Swinghamer, CEO of Shake Shack and Randy Garutti, COO Shake Shack.

Danny Meyer, the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, said: "Shake Shack's success since opening in Dubai reflects the huge potential here in the region, and we have been overwhelmed with the positive response to our brand and our food. We are very excited to be building on our partnership with Alshaya which has a remarkable legacy of retail leadership. We could not have asked for a better or more trusted partner for our expansion outside of our home market."

Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M. H. Alshaya Co, said: "At Alshaya we are committed to bringing the best international brands and customer experiences to the region, and Shake Shack is one of those stand-out brands that we were very eager to partner with. We saw that the food and the mood and ambience would really resonate with people here in Kuwait and across the region – and our early success in Dubai supports that. We look forward to bringing the Shake Shack experience to many more customers across the region in the coming months."

Prominent dignitaries, VIP guests and local media also attended the launch at The Avenues, in the presence of senior management from Alshaya and officials from Shake Shack who flew in especially to celebrate the arrival of the brand in Kuwait.

Shake Shack's first branch in the United States opened in New York's Madison Square Park in 2004, where the casual dining experience is set up "under the shack".

About Shake Shack

Shake Shack is considered a modern-day 'roadside' casual burger stand serving the most satiating burgers made from 100% black Angus beef, hotdogs, frozen custards (premium Ice Cream) made fresh every day in front of customers and crinkled golden fries that have 25% less fat than other fries in the market and many more unique food offerings! In addition to their delicious food, the New York-based burger joint is praised for using the finest ingredients to concoct the much-loved American classics.

Upon opening in 2004 in Madison Square Park, Shake Shack became an instant neighbourhood fixture with New Yorkers, tourists and people from all walks of life. Remarkably, people took to the long queues with friends and family and indulged in some Shake-y goodness! The fantastic setting, concept and food caught the eye of the press and many have reported their food as some of the best in town! For more information about Shake Shack, please visit www.shakeshack.com.