Shake Shack, the renowned burger concept founded by Danny Meyer, is believed to be looking at up to a further four sites in London for a planned expansion in the capital, after confirming it has secured its first site in the UK in Covent Garden, M&C Report understands.
As revealed by M&C Report last week, the company, which operates 14 sites in the US and two under franchise in the Middle East, is also in advanced talks regarding a site in Leicester Square, understood to be 1 Leicester Square, and is believed to have earmarked a further three possible locations for openings in the capital.
The group is understood to have taken the Icecreamists and New York Deli units in the Market Building in Covent Garden for its UK debut, which is scheduled for mid-2013.
Meyer said: “I am positively in love with London’s thriving food culture. I adore the city and have always enjoyed the time I’ve spent there over the years. For some time now an enormous number of friends in London have asked when we would bring our first restaurant to the city. We looked high and wide for just the right time and spot, and at last I think we’ve found it in Covent Garden. I am humbled and at the same time excited to bring Shake Shack to the UK and to become part of the incredible London dining scene.”
Launched in New York in2004, Shake Shack, which is part of Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, has developed a cult following for its ShackBurgers and frozen custard shakes.
Earlier this year, Related, the New York real estate developer behind Manhattan’s Time Warner Center, took a stake in Union Square, with a plan of expanding the group’s brands, including Shake Shack and barbecue chain Blue Smoke, globally.
Shake Shack opened their second international branch in Kuwait in the Al Fanar mall in Salmiya earlier this year under its franchise deal with MH Alshaya Co. The first opened in Dubai last April.
The news that Shake Shack is looking to launch in the UK, comes after Five Guys announced it is planning to open its first site here next spring , while Smashburger is looking for franchisees to open in the country.
Davis Coffer Lyons is believed to have acted on the Covent Garden deal.
