Shake Shack

Shake Shack, launched in 2001 by Danny Meyer as a modest hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, quickly became a culinary sensation, proving that fast food could be chic. By the time it went public in 2015, the company’s valuation hit $1.6 billion, with shares doubling on the first day, much to the delight of Wall Street and burger aficionados alike. CEO Randy Garutti steered the brand through rapid expansion, though not without challenges—critics questioned whether the quality could keep pace with its growth, and prices that flirted with fine dining didn’t help. Nevertheless, Shake Shack has maintained its cult status, turning burgers and crinkle-cut fries into symbols of urban cool. The legacy? Reinventing the American fast food experience with a mix of nostalgia and sophistication, Shake Shack redefined what it means to eat casual in the city, all while making investors hungry for more.