NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shake Shack Inc. (“Shake Shack” or the “Company”) (NYSE:SHAK) is movin’ East to shake up the capital of South Korea. Shake Shack^® is thrilled to announce that together with its Korean licensee it will open the first-ever Seoul Shake Shack in 2016.

Shake Shack is both proud and honored to partner with SPC Group, a leading global food company based in South Korea, with 43 companies, 30 brands and over 6,000 stores worldwide. With 70 years of knowledge, experience and world-class innovation in the food and beverage industry, SPC Group lends the ideal expertise to launch Shake Shack in South Korea. Shake Shack and SPC Group intend to open at least one Shack in 2016 with plans to open 25 total Shacks in Korea through 2025.

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural antibiotic-free Angus beef burgers (no hormones added ever), griddled flat-top dogs, fresh-made frozen custard, crispy crinkle cut fries, beer and wine and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

Originally founded by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group ("USHG"), which owns and operates some of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants—Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art, Maialino, North End Grill, Blue Smoke and Marta—Shake Shack’s fine-dining heritage and commitment to sourcing premium, sustainable ingredients have helped to pioneer the creation of a new “fine casual” category in restaurants. Fine casual couples the ease, value and convenience of fast casual concepts with the high standards of excellence in thoughtful ingredient sourcing, preparation, hospitality and quality grounded in fine dining.

“We’ve heard from fans in South Korea for years that they’d like us to bring Shake Shack to their hometown, and we’re absolutely delighted to do so in the dynamic capital of Seoul”, said Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti. “We consider it the highest privilege to partner with SPC Group, a revered operator whose admirable community commitment pairs strongly with our mission to Stand For Something Good^®.”

The Seoul Shack menu will feature Shake Shack’s signature items including the ShackBurger^®, SmokeShack^® and Shack-cago Dog^®. As it has done around the world, Shake Shack intends to work with local purveyors and producers to create a one-of-a-kind Shack for the Seoul community.

“We are honored to partner with Shake Shack whose company mission is to Stand For Something Good^®”, said Hur Hee-Soo, Senior Managing Director of SPC Group. “We believe that bringing Shake Shack to the Korean market will enhance sincere hospitality, provide a fun and welcoming community gathering place, and extend support to the local community. This venture well aligns with our dedicated history of commitment to make the world a happier place and we are extremely excited to open the first Shake Shack in 2016.”

Shake Shack is a New York City institution and global brand. In its 11-year history, Shake Shack has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Bon Appétit's "The 20 Most Important Restaurants in America" (ranked #16), TIME Magazine's "17 Most Influential Burgers of All Time" (ranked #7 for the ShackBurger) and winning "Best Burger" in 2007 and 2014 at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival's Burger Bash.

ABOUT SHAKE SHACK:
Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural, antibiotic-free Angus beef burgers (no hormones added ever), hot dogs, frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, beer and wine (available at select locations), and more. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community-gathering place with widespread appeal. From its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its environmentally responsible designs and deep community investment, Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has opened multiple locations in 12 states and the District of Columbia, as well as international locations including London, Istanbul, Dubai, Moscow, Tokyo and more.

ABOUT SPC GROUP
SPC Group is a Korea-based global food company, with a seventy year history, leading the Korean market with 43 companies, including Samlip General Foods Company Co., Ltd, Paris Croissant Co., Ltd and BR Korea Co., Ltd. (Baskin Robbins, Dunkin’ Donuts) and 30 undisputable brands across 6,000 stores. SPC Group owns and operates brands such as Paris Baguette, Paris Croissant, Passion 5, coffee@works, LaGrillia, Queens Park, Vera, strEAT, Bizeun and Glücks Schwein covering the bakery, dessert and restaurant business. SPC Group has successfully introduced global brands to the Korean market including Baskin Robbins, Dunkin’ Donuts, Caffé Pascucci, LINA’s and Jamba Juice. The bakery brand, Paris Baguette, has entered markets overseas including France, US, China, Singapore and Vietnam with over 190 stores. With continuous R&D and creative marketing, SPC Group has devoted seventy years to become a beloved global company through the pursuit of health and happiness.