Shake Shack 'Looking at Other Sites Downtown' and In Suburbs For Expansion

Where in Chicago will Shack Attacks happen next? It's been more than a year and a half since Shake Shack arrived in Chicago, and the New York-based fast-food giant has bigger plans for the the city and the Midwest. Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti says they're looking at opening multiple more locations in Chicago and the suburbs. He told the Tribune they want to target the city's "urban core," but don't want to expand too quickly.

Shake Shack must continue expansion in Chicago, Garutti added, saying the city provides them ample opportunities. He referred to Shake Shack expansion at baseball stadiums such as Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets, as well as restaurants in train stations. Perhaps that's foreshadowing for future plans in Chicago.

Chicago's first Shake Shack opened in November 2014 in River North, and they've also opened inside the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and in Skokie at the Westfield Old Orchard Mall. Earlier this year, a rumor floated the Shake Shack was interested in Wicker Park, particularly the space occupied by the Double Door, which was eventually denied. Shake Shack also placed a bid to take over the Chicago Park District space at Mariano Park in Gold Coast. Bow Truss now runs that space in the so-called Viagra Triangle.

Would Chicago benefit from additional Shake Shacks? If so —where should Garutti and his team build them? Sound off in the comments.