One of the county’s fastest-growing and most popular restaurant franchises, Shake Shack, opened its newest location on Arroyo Parkway Monday.
The location is the 12th in the greater Los Angeles area, and the 17th in Southern California, said Area Director Ashley Hummel, amidst the rush and rumble of their opening day.
The store was already crowded on its first day, with a steady stream of masked customers jamming the small parking lot, and happily queuing to pick up orders, or dine in the outdoor patio.
“This is a long time coming for us in Pasadena,” said a pleased Hummel. “Pasadena is the furthest east location for us in the LA area, and will definitely draw from other communities, all the way to the Inland Empire.”
Hummel continued, ‘We’re so excited to be here in such a great community, and we know there is a great food community in Pasadena.”
Hummel also noted the location’s proximity to the Gold Line as well as the 110 Arroyo Seco Parkway, and added, “It’s been a very warm and welcoming community.”
The nationwide chain originally began as one simple hot dog cart in New York City to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s first art installation. It was just hot dogs. Shakes and burgers came later.
The menu now includes those original hot dogs, burgers, and shakes, of course, along with a variety of chicken sandwiches.
Asked about the chain’s steadily growing popularity, Hummel said, “We’re a roadside burger stand feel, a community gathering place, and we have wonderful ingredients, all antibiotic and hormone-free, quality ingredients that we source locally. Hummel said the restaurants also try to do local collaborations with local chefs “to make us stand out a little bit more.”
Shake Shack is at 750 S Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA. (747) 215-2745. www.shakeshack.com
