This is approximately a 45 minute wait to order a shake shack burger. I love my shake shack, but this is a bit ridiculous. People are already making websites to track the line. I had read an interview that I can't find now which stated that most restaurants were naturally limited by the turnover of their tables and the kitchen could be sized appropriately. Here, the line is as long as the desire exists.
Selfishly wanting my burger without the hour wait, I'd like to see some changes. There's at least three possible ways this could be resolved amicably.
- Competition can emerge, perhaps in a different park such as Bryant Park or Union Square. Whether it's owned by Danny Meyer or not is irrelevant. This will probably happen regardless of what price changes occur.
- Double the prices. This will immediately cut the line down. There presumably would be enough people to still make this profitable, but there's more uncertainty and it's unfair to people with less money.
- Congestion Pricing. Charge different prices based on how long the line is. Each person can judge whether it's in their best interests to jump in line or go find something else. People who are willing to spend more money will go whenever they like. People who wish to spend less money will go at less convenient times, or when it's raining. Although usually mentioned for targeting traffic jams during rush hour, I think it could help inside Madison Square park as well.
Personally, I'm fine with any of these solutions. I will be experimenting with eating lunch around 11am in the meantime. Do you have any better ideas?
Comments (8)
A suggestion for Madison Square panhandlers (who, of course, all have computers and read curbed):
You're always over by the Bank of America kiosk on Fifth and 23rd. Instead of panhandling there, simply set yourself up in line at Shake Shack and then charge people to take your spot. If you were right up near the front, I bet people would part with some serious cash to avoid the wait on a nice day.
You'd make a nice chunk of change and get to hang out in the park all day.
Just a thought. Someone go ahead and tell me this idea is evil for some reason. Go ahead.
Posted by an ape that can type | April 17, 2006 5:22 PM
Posted on April 17, 2006 17:22
These ideas are flat out dumb!
Posted by Jot | April 17, 2006 5:53 PM
Posted on April 17, 2006 17:53
Dude, that's crazy, ain't no burger worth that wait. Silly people, I start to get stir crazy after 20 mins tops!!!
Posted by Bethany | April 17, 2006 6:02 PM
Posted on April 17, 2006 18:02
First, thanks everyone for the feedback!
apethatcantype: Thanks for an alternative suggestion. I dont think it's evil as much as opportunistic, but fair. I'll trade 5 bucks for 45 minutes any day of the week.
Jot: Sorry you dont like the ideas. Do you like waiting instead? Any better suggestion?
Bethany: It's actually pretty good, best in the city as far as I'm concerned. I think they put addictive drugs in there because the people will wait and wait for their fix. It's so good it's scary.
Posted by whatisee | April 17, 2006 9:05 PM
Posted on April 17, 2006 21:05
I wouldn't mind the wait, if there were a rest room. That's the real scandal so far as I'm concerned. I'm fine reading on line.
It's really the wait for the food, not the wait to give my order, that makes me wonder what on earth is going on inside the Shake Shack. It looks pretty chaotic.
If you have a car and seek the Shake Shack experience in a country setting, head up to the Red Rooster in Brewster. The burgers are almost identical (and identically good). As for service, it's much faster, but then you're not in Madison Square Park.
Posted by R J Keefe | April 18, 2006 1:13 AM
Posted on April 18, 2006 01:13
A better idea would be for Shake Shack to actually improve the speed of its cooking line.
Another suggestion would be simplifying the menu. Does anyone actually eat anything aside from the burgers and custard?
Posted by Billy R | April 18, 2006 10:10 AM
Posted on April 18, 2006 10:10
A better idea would be for Shake Shack to actually improve the speed of its cooking line.
Another suggestion would be simplifying the menu. Does anyone actually eat anything aside from the burgers and custard?
Posted by Billy R | April 18, 2006 10:10 AM
Posted on April 18, 2006 10:10
Get your food at New York Burger Co on 23rd and Park. The food is as good or better than Shake Shack and the wait is 10 minutes tops. After you get your food, walk 1 block to Shake Shack. You can eat your burger in the Shake Shack seating area and no one will be the wiser.
Posted by JK | April 18, 2006 12:40 PM
Posted on April 18, 2006 12:40