Shake Shack is opening a self-service unit where customers will only be able to place orders via kiosk and app.
The store also will not accept cash payments, and will feature a kitchen designed to produce more orders during mealtime rushes. In addition, it will start employees at the New York City location at a wage of $15 an hour.
Eventually, delivery will be offered from the store.
Bolstering throughput during what have traditionally been Shake Shack’s busiest periods is the overall rationale for the store, according to Shake Shack.
The chain did not reveal whether the store, set to open in the next few days, will need fewer or as many employees as a traditional unit. It noted that the kiosk ordering area will be staffed with Hospitality Champs, or employees who can answer questions and show patrons how to order.
Customers who order through the kiosks will be alerted via text when their orders are ready.
Shake Shack did not divulge how many seats will be included in the unit, which will be located in the East Village, near housing for New York University students and the campus of the Cooper Union art school.
With the opening, Shake Shack will have about 85 locations in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
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