Shake Shack Palo Alto Is Now Open With Shack Burgers and Long Lines | Eater SF

"The NY-based chain opened its first Bay Area location in Palo Alto over the weekend, drawing long lines and fiery debates over the merits of crinkle fries. Some diners lined up as early as 7 a.m., waiting hours for the 11 a.m. opening, and over 1,000 fans reportedly poured into the restaurant on opening day. Though critics question adding another burger chain to an already burger-rich region, I found it a well-done take on the genre: the 2,491-square-foot space features sleek, glassy indoor seating, a covered patio, tabletops made from reclaimed bowling-alley lanes, sustainable Uhuru furniture, and it operates completely cashless with fully automated ordering kiosks (the Bay Area rollout was noted as being influenced by higher local labor costs). The restaurant collaborated with local purveyors—beef from Cream Co., buns from Tartine, and custard concretes with ingredients from Manresa Bread, Dandelion Chocolate, and Fremont bakery Pie Dreams (five percent of Pie Dreams concrete sales go to SF food incubator La Cocina)—and its beverage list includes Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Broc Cellars, BREA Wine Co., plus beers from Fort Point, 21st Amendment, and other local brewers; locations in San Francisco and Marin are planned to follow." - Ellen Fort