Why are there so many Shake Shacks in Japan?

Shake Shack Burger in Japan

Not your average fast food burger

Feature photo by @arisaito917

If you’re craving a quick, delicious Beef Burger in Tokyo, Shack Shack is where you’ll want to be, especially if you’ve had enough of McDonalds, Burger King etc.  While Japan has always been a fan of both fast food and gourmet burgers, Shake Shack seems to find the right balance between the two.

If you don’t know about Shake Shack burgers or haven’t had the luck to have one in your area, Shake Shack offers Angus Beef Burgers, Flat-top Hot dogs, Cage Free Chicken sandwiches, Frozen Custard, Crinkle Cut fries, Craft Beer and Wine and of course their signature Milk Shakes.  It started out as a hot dog cart in New York in 2001 in Madison Square Park  and the first actual “Shack” opened in 2004 in the same park.  If you want the full history lesson, read about it on their wikipedia page here.

What’s on the Menu!
You’re here for a better quality 100% angus beef burger that is hormone free and won’t disappoint.  If you have a sweet tooth, you’re here for the shakes which come in flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, caramel, strawberry, black & white, black sesame, fair trade coffee, and monthly special flavors.

The premium pricing of Shack Shack is definitely not fast food.  The restaurants are slightly more upscale, serving Craft Beer and Wine (depending on location and region).   You’ll pay a premium of up to ¥1,200 – ¥1,400 for their trademark Shake Stack burger.  Top that with a fries and a shake you can easily spend ¥2,000 for one person!   But we’re not here to complain about the price we’re here

Our favorite location is in Meiji Jingu Gaien Park which is next to the amazing Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue where in the fall season, you will see an amazing display of golden ginkgo leaves.  It has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating which is great if you want to avoid the crowds and other busy locations.

As of 2019 Shack Shack currently has about 208 locations worldwide and currently it seems Japan has the largest foothold in Asia – with 12 locations in Japan, 8 in Korea, with 1 location  in Shang Hai, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Phillipines each.

Definitely a must try if you have not had Shake Shack before and need a break from all the Sushi and Ramen you’ve been stuffing your face with.

Tabemashou!

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