Shake Shack pushes forward with dark kitchen expansion (updated)

By James McAllister

- Last updated on GMT

Shake Shack pushes forward with dark kitchen expansion opening Deliveroo Editions in Brighton

Related tags Shake shack Deliveroo dark kitchen

US burger chain Shake Shack is continuing to push forward with its dark kitchen expansion in the UK, having secured a space within the Deliveroo Editions site in Brighton

It marks the group's first venture to the south coast, and the opening of its fourth Editions site in less than two months. 

The group opened its first Deliveroo Editions site in London's Battersea​ back in early May, and has since gone on to also establish operations at the Editions units in Camden’s Swiss Cottage district and Bermondsey. 

Shake Shack, which opened its first UK site in Covent Garden in 2013, currently operates 12 restaurant locations this side of the pond, predominately in the capital, with outposts in Essex, Cardiff and Gatwick Airport. 

It isn't the only operator to have explored using delivery-only dark kitchens as a way to try and drive revenue in recent months.

Back in April, Greek street food player The Athenian launched two Deliveroo Editions sites in Reading and Brighton​ respectively; marking the brand’s first ventures outside of the capital.

Speaking to BigHospitality at the time, Athenian co-founder Neo Christodoulou said the expansion was not about maximising profit, but looking at the opportunities available to the business going forward.

He said: “We’re treating it like a mapping exercise, looking at how these kitchens in Brighton and Reading fare, with a view to potentially establishing bricks and mortar sites further down the line.

“Operationally, it could prove to be a very beneficial approach, as we would already have begun establishing a pool of staff to train others and manage the sites as and when we open them.”

Update: BigHospitality ​has since learned that The Athenian has closed its Reading Editions site, but has subsequently opened one in Manchester, with another in Leeds due to open next week. For further details, click here​.

Related topics Restaurant Openings Casual Dining

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