Shake Shack Arrives

Shake Shack sets Houston opening date, with some "only in Texas" menu items

Shake Shack burgers arrive at The Galleria on November 4.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Shake Shack, the New York-based global burger juggernaut, arrives in Houston next week. The company announced Friday morning that it will open its first Houston-area location on November 4 at 11 am.

The opening comes after almost a year of fevered anticipation — Shake Shack first announced its plans back in January — and a pop-up earlier this month that 1,200 people attended. So, yes, expect a crowd next Friday and for the foreseeable future.

With locations in 16 states, Washington, D.C. and six countries, Shake Shack has become one of the most-acclaimed burger chains in the world. The restaurant's formula is relatively simple: a thin, diner-style patty on a potato bun topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and "shack sauce," a tangy, mayonnaise-style spread.

Turning to the Houston location, the restaurant will have a Westheimer-facing entrance across from the "jewel box" that's home to upscale fashion retailer The Webster and the upcoming Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant Yauatcha. Diners will be able to spot the restaurant by its living moss wall that's been created by Austin-based firm Articulture Designs.

In addition to the familiar ShackBurgers and chicken sandwiches, the Houston location will get a couple of special items. Like Austin, the Houston shack will serve a Lockhart Link burger that's topped with a jalapeno-cheese sausage from the iconic Texas barbecue joint Kreuz Market.

For dessert, the company has partnered with Fluff Bake Bar, Greenway Coffee, Morningstar for three concretes: the Cup|cake Crunch (vanilla frozen custard, fudge sauce, Fluff Bake Bar devil’s food cake with pretzel crunch and caramel buttercream), Vietnamese Coffee and Donuts (vanilla frozen custard, Morningstar cop doughnut, and Greenway Coffee café su dua marshmallow sauce), and Post Oak Pie Oh My (vanilla frozen custard with a slice of Fluff Bake Bar seasonal pie). Five percent of sales from the Vietnamese Coffee and Donuts concrete will benefit the Houston SPCA.

“The Galleria is a natural gathering place in Houston,” said Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti in a statement. “We’re pumped to be a part of what they’ve built, and create a new spot for friends and family to kick back with burgers and beer in a great setting. We were humbled by the turnout and love on social media from our pop-up with The Pass & Provisions in October. We can’t wait to bring that energy to the Shack every day in this great city.”

A second location will replace La Madeline in Rice Village next year.

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Coastal-inspired Houston restaurant will shutter after 3 years in Montrose

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

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A Montrose restaurant devoted to fresh and healthy fare will soon serve its final meal. Graffiti Raw will close on December 31.

Located next to Uchi in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development, Graffiti Raw opened in early 2023. It is part of the Big Vibe Group, the hospitality company behind Coppa Osteria in Rice Village and Flora, the stylish Mexican restaurant in Buffalo Bayou Park.

Graffiti Raw took inspiration from coastal destinations such as Big Sur, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. True to its name, the menu included raw items such as tartare and ceviche alongside classic fare such as steak frites, chicken schnitzel, and crab fried rice.

“Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection — from shared meals to vibrant

nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston. The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the

guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience,” the company said in a statement.

Big Vibe emphasizes that both Coppa Osteria and Flora “remain central to the company’s long-term vision, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and elevated hospitality.” It made a similar commitment to those concepts when it closed Gratify, a neighborhood bistro in Rice Village, back in 2024.

Montrose has seen a number of openings and closings, with additions such as jazz supperclub Doc’s and wine shop/bar Montrose Grocer. Paulie’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years, will also close on December 31.

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