Orlando finally has a Shake Shack to call its own – the New York based burger joint created by legendary restauranteur Danny Meyer will open this Wednesday July 30th 2014 at 119 North Orlando Avenue at the intersection of West Morse Boulevard in the Orlando suburb of Winter Park. Locals may know it as the “Trader Joe’s Plaza,” familiar with the parking issues that already exacerbate the trip to the area.

But despite the parking issues, the trip is so worth it, and here is why:

1. The Original Shackburger – Ok, maybe this might not be so surprising, but this juicy, flavorful burger is one of the best in town in a very crowded field, and despite its small stature, the burger packs a lot of satisfying punch. As a burger traditionalist, nothing beats a good quality burger patty topped with cheese, tomato, and lettuce. The bun is a bit soft for me, but altogether the burger is definitely a heavy hitter among the many burger contenders in Central Florida. Note, the fries here are the crinkle cut, rather than hand cut fries available else where. They tasted fresh and crispy.

ShackBurger – Cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce

 2. The SmokeStack Burger – Spicy bacon? yes please – The SmokeShack is a Cheeseburger topped with all-natural applewood smoked bacon, slightly sweet and surprisingly spicy chopped cherry pepper and ShackSauce.

SmokeShack – Cheeseburger topped with all-natural applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry pepper and ShackSauce

3. Something really delicious for our vegetarian friends – the ‘Shroom Burger – no, Shake Shack isn’t serving up those frozen soy tofu burgers you see at all the other burger joints. This ‘Shroom burger is house fried battered portobello mushroom filled with oozing, melted muenster and cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce – it pleasantly holds its own on the menu and is definitely a highlight amid the meatier burger menu.

‘Shroom burger is house fried battered portobello mushroom filled with oozing, melted muenster and cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce

4. A Local Flair with Audubon Park’s P is for Pie Bake Shop in their “Concretes” – Little known fact about this Winter Park location of Shake Shack – they are using local Audubon Park bake shop P is for Pie’s Key Lime Pie for their Key Lime Pie Oh My Concrete vanilla custard dessert – a very nice local touch. See the full menu here

Another sweet local touch – Shake Shack in Winter Park will also donate 5% of sales from the Winter’s Wonderland concrete to the local non-profit BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation, a local non-profit that provides year-round support for children and families in Orlando and Central Florida who are facing cancer and other hematological illnesses.

5. Stunning Hidden Lake Views at Shake Shack in Winter Park – It’s not just for the particularly good burgers – juicy, flavorful, tender on a soft bread bun – but also a great reason to visit is to see the stunning sunset views over Lake Killarney. Really lovely, beautiful place to have a burger and a shake or a “concrete” frozen custard ice cream, and kick back and relax in Central Florida.

Bonus: you can even play ping pong back here on the Shake Shack branded table tennis area while you enjoy your burgers and shakes in the patio on Lake Killarney.

PRESS RELEASE: SHAKE SHACK TO OPEN FIRST-EVER ORLANDO, FLORIDA, LOCATION ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 30TH

Beloved Burger, Hot Dog and Frozen Custard Stand Parks it in Winter Park

NEW YORK, NY – July 29, 2014 – It’s a Shack world after all! Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) is proud to announce it will open its fourth Shake Shack® in Florida on Wednesday, July 30th, at 11:00AM.

The newest addition to the Shack family is located at 119 North Orlando Avenue at the intersection of West Morse Boulevard in the Orlando suburb of Winter Park.

Established in 2004 in New York City’s Madison Square Park, Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, griddled-crisp flat-top dogs, fresh-made frozen custard, craft beer and wine, and much more. A fun and lively community gathering spot with widespread appeal, over the past decade Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following in Florida and around the world.

“We opened our first Florida Shake Shack in Miami Beach four years ago. We’ve had our eye on Central Florida for some time, and we’re thrilled to finally be a part of this community and further our commitment to the state,” said Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti. “Being located alongside Lake Killarney is ideal, and we look forward to having locals and visitors alike join us for a ShackBurger on our outdoor patio space complete with fire pit, lounge chairs, and even a ping-pong table.”

Like its Sunshine State predecessors in Miami Beach, Coral Gables and Boca Raton, Winter Park’s menu will feature all the Shake Shack classics, plus a selection of delectable frozen custard concretes to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings.

Exclusive to the Winter Park Shack is Winter’s Wonderland (vanilla frozen custard, marshmallow sauce and crispy crunchies). A long-time fan favorite that originated at Shake Shack’s flagship location in NYC will also be offered, the Shack Attack® (chocolate frozen custard, fudge sauce, chocolate truffle cookie dough and Mast Brothers Shake Shack dark chocolate chunks, topped with chocolate sprinkles). Last but certainly not least, is a beloved classic from the Miami Beach Shack that will now be served in Winter Park as well, the Key Lime Pie Oh My (vanilla frozen custard blended with a slice of key lime pie from Orlando’s own P is for Pie Bake Shop).

As part of its community outreach efforts and mission to Stand for Something Good®, the Winter Park Shake Shack will donate 5% of sales from the Winter’s Wonderland concrete to BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation, a local non-profit that provides year-round support for children and families in Orlando and Central Florida who are facing cancer and other hematological illnesses. Learn more at www.basecamp.org.

In keeping with Shake Shack’s eco-friendly mindset and commitment to green architecture, the interior walls of the Winter Park Shack are clad in once lost century-old lumber that was recently salvaged from Northern Florida’s Suwannee River. The Shack also features energy-efficient kitchen equipment and lighting. Chairs and booths are made from lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and tabletops are made from reclaimed bowling alley lanes. To keep guests virtually connected, free Wi-Fi is available.

For more information, including a list of all current Shake Shack locations, please visit www.shakeshack.com.

Chicken Dog – Shake Shack chicken, apple and sage sausage

Chocolate Shake

Photos by Krystle Nguyen