Shake Shack opening soon in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Tantoco family’s SSI Group Inc. is shaking up Manila by bringing the world famous Shake Shack, the group behind New York’s iconic burger, hot dog, and frozen custard.

This will be Shake Shack’s first foray into Southeast Asia.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the SSI Group said it has entered into a development and license agreement with Shake Shack Inc. to open Shake Shack restaurants in the Philippines in 2019.

SSI president Anton Huang said the group is optimistic Filipinos will embrace the unique Shake Shack experience.

“We are proud to partner with Shake Shack to bring the complete gastronomic experience, coupled with its fun and lively environment to the Philippines,” Huang said.

Shake Shack is known for its 100 percent all natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat top Vienna beef dogs, fresh spun frozen custard, crinkle cut fries as well as craft beer and wine.

“Manila is an incredible city; its heart beats with a distinct warmth and hospitality. We are excited to begin this search for our first site in Metro Manila and look forward to becoming part of this community,” said Michael Kark, vice president of Global Licensing at Shake Shack.

Kark said Shake Shack is proud to partner with the SSI Group, known for its retail expertise and culture of hospitality, to bring Shake Shack to the Philippines.

Shake Shack first opened in 2004 in New York’s Madison Square Park and has since expanded to more than 170 locations in 21 US states and the district of Columbia and more than 60 international locations including London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.

It ranked seventh in Time Magazine’s “17 Most Influential Burgers of All Time.”

The SSI Group, chaired by Zenaida Tantoco, has a wide brand portfolio that can be classified into five categories, namely luxury and bridge; casual; fast fashion; footwear, accessories and luggage; and others, which include home furnishing and accessories, interior design items, food, and personal care.

SSI represented 114 brands as of Dec. 31, 2016,  consisting of Hermes, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, Old Navy, Lacoste, GAP, TWG, SaladStop, Samsonite, Payless ShoeSource, Muji and Pottery Barn.