Park City and Summit County officially have a new burger joint. Shake Shack, the burger and milkshake chain that started in 2004 in Madison Square Park, New York, has continued its growth throughout Utah with the Wednesday morning grand opening of its Junction Commons location. A smattering of P ark City Chamber/Bureau members, Park City Community Foundation employees and residents huddled outside the corner location for a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m., and the chance for a “breakfast” burger. The store’s roughly 20 employees gathered under the sign and logo — encouraged by cheers from a Jersey Mike’s employee across the street — and Shake Shack’s Area Director for Utah, William Hoard, gave a brief overview of the brand. “At Shake Shack, we ‘Stand For Something Good.’ It is our slogan. And really, the two aspects I’ll share for now is … we take a lot of pride in our ingredients. Our beef is 100% Angus, hormone-free, antibiotic-free,” he said. “And then we love to get involved with local communities as we’re doing today.” In addition to hosting the public for the grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Chamber/Bureau, Shake Shack is donating $1 from every burger sold to the Park City Community Foundation — another way to “Stand For Something Good.” Jennifer Wesselhoff, president and CEO of the Park City Chamber/Bureau, welcomes Shake Shack to Park City and Summit County at its grand opening event. Credit: Katie Hatzfeld/Park Record Brandon Wilson, the new store’s general manager, spoke about the opportunity to lead the crew in Park City after over six years with the company, his first employer. “I have lived in Utah most my life, and Park City has always been such an iconic location for my family and myself, a place to get out and explore,” said Wilson. “I just really want to attest to what Will said about standing for something good. I’ve lived it all throughout my life, I’ve almost grown up with it, and I can’t wait to just share it with everybody else.” Jennifer Wesselhoff, president and CEO of the Chamber/Bureau, was also in attendance, thanking the Shake Shack team for their efforts to bring “radical hospitality” to the area. “Welcome to the family. I hope you feel that you have been welcomed here with open arms,” she said. Shake Shack employees, members of the Park City Chamber/Bureau and Park City Community Foundation, along with other guests, celebrate the grand opening of Shake Shack. Credit: Katie Hatzfeld/Park Record County Councilor Chris Robinson also spoke, joking that as the resident rancher on the Summit County Council, he’s asked to speak at any project related to beef. As a councilor, he recalled conversations that came to the council regarding future changes to Junction Commons, and now getting to see those talks come to fruition. “There was some question as to whether a food restaurant of this type was appropriate here, and I think we had to give some kind of special dispensation. But I was excited all the way along, because there’s nothing I like better than a good burger,” he said. “Classic food done really well … I think you’re going to do very well here.” Then, finally, hands near freezing, it was time to cut the ribbon and pop the confetti. Back inside, the crowd lined up behind first guest Austin Veenendaal, a Jeremy resident donning a heavy-duty parka who’d camped outside the store since 8:15 a.m. “I’ve been kind of obsessed with some coming to these things and seeing what they give out and having a fun time,” he said. “The new stuff in Park City excites me, especially the new food places, because not a lot of it’s changed in Park City for so long.” Austin Veenendaal, the first guest at the Shake Shack grand opening, threw up a “shaka shack” while waiting in line to order. Credit: Katie Hatzfeld/Park Record Over the 16 years living in the area, he recalled the Chipotle grand opening, the one for Jersey Mike’s, and even Wendy’s, where they gave away free Wendy’s for a year. He didn’t win such a prize from Shake Shack, but mini white-and-green tote bags embroidered with the logo were passed out, along with a $5 off coupon. The store, located at 6699 Landmark Dr., Suite J100, is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to midnight. It will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, visit junctioncommons.com/directory/shake-shack. Shake Shack at Junction Commons is now open, selling burgers, fries and milkshakes along with other specialty items like Korean fried chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. Credit: Katie Hatzfeld/Park Record The post Shake Shack officially opens at Junction Commons appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less