- Shake Shack has tripled its planned number of stores to 1,500 as the fast-casual chain’s popularity grows. The restaurant also recently partnered with Delta Air Lines to serve its burgers to passengers.
Shake Shack is ready to move from being a cult favorite in the fast-food world to a giant.
The burger chain has announced plans to significantly expand its number of locations, updating the anticipated number of company-owned stores from 450 to 1,500.
“We believe that we are just getting started, and see an ample runway for growth ahead,” said CEO Rob Lynch in a statement. “We are committed to bringing the world’s best fine casual experience to as many guests, team members, and communities as possible.”
At present, there are 329 company-owned Shake Shack locations. The company did not put a precise timeline on its expansion plans, but did note this is a long-term target. Shake Shack opened 43 company-operated locations in fiscal 2024, which was a record.
The growth comes as customers flock to the chain. Lynch said in fiscal 2025, Shake Shack expects revenues to grow by 16% to 18% to just shy of $1.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA by 14%–20%.
Even with that dramatically expanded number of locations, Shake Shack will still fall far behind the total number of locations of its chief competitors. McDonald’s has nearly 13,500 locations in the U.S. alone. Wendy’s and Burger King each have over 6,000.
In & Out, which some would argue is a closer competitor, has just 415 locations in the U.S., but has largely restricted its growth to the western half of the country.
Beyond the brick-and-mortar locations, Shake Shack is raising its profile via a partnership with Delta Air Lines. Last November, the two companies partnered to offer in-flight burgers to flyers in first class. That offering will expand throughout 2025.