Shake Shack Virginia Beach
Since moving to Virginia Beach, I have a greater appreciation for local restaurants. That being said, I tend to not get overly hype about chain restaurants that come to the area. That was until I heard that Shake Shack would be opening at Virginia Beach’s Town Center. I was invited to the Shake Shack Housewarming Party on Tuesday, May 21, which was a special preview for the restaurant.
About Shake Shack
Shake Shack began in New York City as a hot dog cart benefitting the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s first art installation. Today, the restaurant brands itself as a “modern day roadside burger stand.” Shake Shack staples include burgers and fries, but the restaurant’s menu also features chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, milkshakes, their signature concretes and more.
With over 150 locations across the country, as well as international establishments, Shake Shack has developed a cult-like following. The region was certainly abuzz when the Virginia Beach location was announced, with many hungry diners showing up a few days early to merely get a glimpse at the new locale.
Shake Shack Virginia Beach Housewarming
The moment I walked into the beautifully designed restaurant, I was greeted by several of Shake Shack’s friendly staff members. I was immediately offered beer, wine and food samples. Staff members floated around the brightly lit space and the outdoor patio serving items from Shake Shack’s menu. I ran into some fellow food bloggers and we had a great time tasting everything that passed by us.
Of course, we were able to try the signature Shack Burger, a single patty topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce. The Virginia Beach location was also showcasing the SmokeShack burger. If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’ll get a kick out of this patty accompanied by applewood-smoked bacon and chopped cherry peppers. For the vegetarians and other assorted non-meat eaters, Shake Shack also offers a ‘Shroom Burger, made with a crispy fried portobello mushroom filled with cheddar and muenster cheeses.
You can’t have a burger without fries. Staff members also had small cups of Shake Shack’s crispy crinkle cut fries with a side of their special cheese sauce. As if I hadn’t put my body through enough, I also couldn’t resist a milkshake.
We were also able to specially order a few items, thanks to our new BFF, assistant general manager David Jones.
We made a special request to one of the staff members (shout out to Nadia) for a Chick’n Shack. Made with all-natural cage free chicken, served with lettuce, pickles and a buttermilk herb mayo, Shake Shack’s chicken sandwich may be my new favorite among fast food restaurants. Watch out, Chick-Fil-A.
Being a Shake Shack rookie, I was intrigued to hear my friends talk about the restaurant’s “concretes.” For those who don’t know, at Shake Shack, a concrete is a dessert of frozen custard blended with mix ins. The Virginia Beach Shake Shack will have an exclusive Pie Oh My concrete that is mixed with a seasonal pie from Rustic Tart, a Norfolk-based pastry shop. We were able to try the Lemon Meringue concrete, made with smooth vanilla custard and Rustic Tart’s Lemon Meringue PieCasso
To further spread the local love, Shake Shack will also donate 5 percent of the sales from each Pie Oh My concrete to From One Hand to AnOTHER. From One Hand to AnOTHER is a local nonprofit, founded by musical superstar and producer Pharrell Williams, dedicated to empowering children through interactive, project-based learning.
David, the other managers and entire staff were so attentive and welcoming that I almost didn’t want to leave.
Prior to this, I had only been to Shake Shack once. After this phenomenal experience, I officially stan (as the kids would say). I love that Shake Shack is so much more than your typical fast-casual chain restaurant. The quality food is complemented by the friendly service and appreciation for the local community.
Shake Shack officially opens to the public on Wednesday, May 22 at 11 a.m. Get out there, enjoy the food and meet the wonderful staff at the Virginia Beach Shake Shack.
Shake Shack is located at 296 Constitution Drive, Virginia Beach.