Shake Shack eyes 2nd Pittsburgh location in city’s East End

A popular burger chain is looking to add a second site in Pittsburgh.

Shake Shack will be moving into a new development in Pittsburgh’s East End, the second location announced in the city for the New York-based burger chain.

O’Hara-based Echo Realty announced last week that Shake Shack will be joining its The Meridian development, which is under construction at the border of the city’s East Liberty and Shadyside neighborhoods, next to the East Liberty busway station.

Echo said that construction on the development is scheduled to be completed in 2024, and businesses should be opening in 2025.

“We are excited to have Shake Shack join the Meridian and believe it will support the merchandising mix that we feel is best suited for the neighborhood,” said Stacy Short, Echo Realty’s vice president of leasing.

The development, formerly the Shady Hill shopping center, is located at the corner of Shady and Penn avenues and was the site of a Giant Eagle grocery store and other various retail. After construction is complete, it will include a 36,000-square-foot Market District, with an additional 38,000 square feet for retail, restaurants, and services, the realty company said.

The Shake Shack location in the city’s East End comes a few months after the chain announced its first Pittsburgh location at The Terminal in the city’s Strip District.

The chain was founded in New York City in 2004 and has attracted a cult following since. It is known for its made-to-order burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, cheese fries and desserts including milkshakes and frozen custard. Shake Shack has 12 locations in Pennsylvania, all in the Philadelphia area.

Shake Shack has 430 locations worldwide, including more than 285 restaurants in 32 states and Washington, D.C.