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In a world where nothing is certain, we have to accept the small wins. Enter downtown’s forthcoming Shake Shack. Detroit’s soon-to-be new favorite burger destination is picking up the pace on renovations, removing the Detroit-centric window art this week to reveal the buildout inside. As Daily Detroit first-reported on Tuesday, Shake Shack’s iconic signage is also beginning to make its way onto the facade of the First National Building near Campus Martius.
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As of this morning, the bright green and white burger beacon had only made it onto one side of the building with additional displays laying in wait on the sidewalk. The interior appears to also be making progress with counters taking shape.
Eater has been monitoring the New York-based chain’s development since the flagship Michigan location was announced last May. At the time, the burger giant gave a relatively vague opening timeline on 2017. However, there have been some strong signs recently of a possible early 2017 debut. Shake Shack has been advertising job openings heavily on Craigslist since late December — Danny Meyer’s billion-dollar chain has made a big deal about offering workers a competitive living wage.
The company, however, is staying tight lipped for now on the opening timeline. Reached by Eater a spokesperson for Shake Shack says, "We’re planning to open in the upcoming months, but unfortunately we aren’t able to confirm anything more specific at this point."
Shake Shack has built a reputation and an empire on juicy Angus patties served on Martin's Potato Rolls with sides of crinkle cut fries. Like its counterparts across the country, the Detroit outpost is expected to offer concretes (blended frozen custard treats) made with city-specific ingredients such as locally-baked pastries (See our not-too-subtle suggestion of Sister Pie concretes). Customers will also, "be able to hang out on the patio overlooking the park and sip on a selection of hand-picked wine and local craft beer." Stay tuned for more updates.
Update, 1/25, 6:43 p.m.: In a follow up response to Eater this evening, representatives from Shake Shack confirm the restaurant will debut in "late winter."
• Shake Shack Will Open in Downtown Detroit in 2017 [ED]
• Detroit’s New Shake Shack Gets A Sign [Daily Detroit]
• Shake Shack CEO Touts Detroit Expansion in Interview [ED]
• Shake Shack Hikes Burger Prices to Increase Worker Wages [E]
• All The Chains Coverage [ED]