SHACK ATTACK
Global burger giant Shake Shack fires up first San Marcos store
Outlet shopping can be an exhausting experience. Searching for the perfect fit requires tons of strolling and dodging, not to mention vigorous calisthenics behind the dressing room door. Any retail center worth its weight in leggings knows it must have a few restaurants in the directory.
But the Tanger Outlets in San Marcos have scored a particular coup. On July 28, the outdoor mall will welcome the city's first location of Shake Shack — only the fourth Texas location to feature a drive-thru.
That two-lane system will be high-tech, with digital menu boards and a separate pick-up window. Guests will also soon be able to order through the app or online. There's even delivery should one want to avoid the retail temptation.
Whatever the method, diners can expect the same fare that has made the New York-based chain a global phenomenon. The Angus beef ShackBurger anchors the menu, but the eatery also tops its potato buns with crispy chicken breast, fried mushrooms, and veggie patties. The menu is rounded out with crinkle-cut fried, frozen custard, and shakes, natch.
Guests can also order the Lockhart Link Burger, a regional menu item only available in the Austin, Houston, and San Antonio areas. The beastly offering tops a beef patty with a griddled Kreuz Market jalapeno cheese sausage link, pickles, and ShackSauce — a condiment-palooza featuring dill pickle brine, mayo, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and cayenne pepper.
As is a tradition in the company, the San Marcos outpost will mark its opening by giving back to the community — donating $1 for every sandwich sold on July 28 to the Boys & Girls Club of South Texas. The first folks in line will also score a branded terry cloth beach towel that will surely be this tubing season's most coveted accessory.
After the grand opening celebrations, Shake Shack San Marcos will be open daily, 11 am-10 pm.