"Shake Shack has arrived in the Bay Area. The NY-based chain opened the doors to 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. for a taste, waiting for hours to place their order when the restaurant opened at 11 a.m. Over 1,000 fans, ex-New Yorkers and West Coasters alike, reportedly poured into the restaurant on opening day. The chain collaborated with local purveyors, like 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 sales from Pie Dreams concretes go to SF food incubator La Cocina). The wine list includes Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Broc Cellars, and BREA Wine Co., plus beer from Fort Point, 21st Amendment, and other local brewers. The 2,491 square-foot Palo Alto Shake Shack has seating within its sleek, glassy confines, as well as a covered patio, plus tabletops created from reclaimed bowling alley lanes, and sustainable furniture from Uhuru throughout. And, in a twist that one would assume originated in Silicon Valley’s bastion of technology, the restaurant is completely cashless; it’s one of several of the chain’s restaurants that feature fully automated ordering kiosks. The Bay Area is specifically included in that because it boasts higher labor costs than other regions." - Ellen Fort
