The quiet lot on Santa Monica Boulevard at West Knoll has gotten more lively with the opening this morning of Shake Shack.
The famed New York City fast food restaurant has built a stylish building designed by architect Michael Hsu on the lot once occupied by Koo Koo Roo, the fast-food chicken restaurant which has been empty for many months. Over the past several days Shake Shack has hosted private opening events, all of which have resulted in the sort of lines out the door that have characterized the original Shake Shack in New York City’s Madison Square Park. Last night’s event drew city notables such as Mayor Lindsey Horvath and former Councilmember Abbe Land (CEO of the Trevor Project) and her husband Martin Gantman. Duke Mason, a member of the city’s Gay and Lesbian Advisory Board, also was present. This morning at 11 a.m. Shake Shack opened to the general public, again generating a line like those more often seen in the old days outside rock clubs.
The West Hollywood location is Shake Shack’s first in California. The restaurant chain, which describes its locations as “modern day roadside burger stands,” launched in New York City in 2004. It hopes to open a location in Glendale later this year and in downtown Los Angeles next year.
At is core, Shake Shack is a a burger restaurant. It’s menu also includes hot dogs, frozen custard, French fries and crispy fried chicken sandwiches as well the the LA-only “Roadside Double,” a double Swiss cheeseburger topped with Dijon mustard and onions simmered in bacon and beer. Wine and beer also are on the menu.
Shake Shack will donate five percent of sales from its “Rainbow Connection concrete” dish to support L.A. Pride and the Shake Shack team will volunteer at events run by its parent organization.
“We’re stoked to finally join California’s one-of-a-kind burger culture,” said Randy Garutti, Shake Shack CEO, in a press release. “Shake Shack is about great burgers and so much more. We’ve heard from fans across LA for years, and we’re humbled by the passionate response we’ve received so far. We invite all Angelenos to come out and see what makes Shake Shack so special.”
The lines are getting shorter.
I have to say there is still a long line evrry day just to get in.¿
I lament the loss of Koo Koo Roo, but I don’t miss the food and empty tables. I miss the giant spinning cock on its roof. To me it was the unofficial sign that I was entering boys town when coming from the east. First as a visitor from SD and then as a local. I don’t know why, but I was always fond of the unintended symbolism. I’m excited to try the new place and hope this will increase day-time foot traffic to our local businesses (which is much needed). In many ways, this is symbolic of the change… Read more »
Here to clog up arteries and Santa Monica Blvd.
I WANT TO TRY IT, BUT I WILL NEVER WAIT IN LINE. Time is too precious to waste standing in line for a burger. They really need to put safety ropes up and keep the lines one or two wide rather than have the sidewalks blocked off , forcing people to walk in the street to get by.
the line here is CRAZY! wanted to try last night around 10:30pm and i swear there was at least 150 people in line plus it was packed inside. can’t wait to finally try it one of these days when it’s not a 3+ hour ordeal just for a burger and custard
I think its funny to put another burger joint on the blvd. to tempt the gym guys who really want and need a burger but can’t, because no one will love them if they gain an ounce.
Hope they have plenty of great carrots to feed the miles of dumb bunnies standing in line. For a burger? Yee gods! Only in WeHo.
No frozen custard Jimmy……Maybe I’ll try it next time, when there’s no more lines.
manny did you have frozen custard? its something i miss from the jersey shore.
Although I’m not excited about the “art” on the wall it’s better than many businesses even attempt to do in this city. Shake Shack so far has shown to be a very good neighbor. During construction they put up that very creative beautiful wall where residents could display their own creativity. They’ve also landscaped very nicely and hired a professional architect. Head and shoulders above the rest around here. Business owners and the city should learn from this and demand improvement. Welcome Shake Shack!
The Double Shack Burger (on a yummy potato bun) and the Chick n’ Shack sandwich are delicious!
Best burger I’ve had in LA……Welcome to Weho “Shake Shack”!