The Long-Awaited Arrival of Shake Shack in Guangzhou: What Did AISG Students Think?

Of all the events that took place during this year’s spring break, the headliner was probably the opening of Guangzhou’s very own Shake Shack store. The franchise, having stores in multiple Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen, announced its expansion to the city of rams late last year, causing incredible buzz among the AISG community.

“I remember hearing about it in December and it made me very excited that we could have more than just McDonald’s in Guangzhou,” said senior Savyasachi S. “I was actually kind of sad that we would only get to enjoy it for a couple months before graduating, but I’m glad it’s here at all.”

It was all the talk around that time of the year, and so it was no surprise that the turnout was massive on the opening day. Thousands – maybe more – lined up in front of the store in Parc Central starting from 8 AM on Wednesday, April 6, filling up walkways around the mall. Perhaps unsurprisingly, AISG students were abundant in this line, eager to get themselves a burger and a milkshake. Luckily, the store did not disappoint.

“The burgers were really good, just like in Shanghai. Still kind of expensive, though,” said junior David J. “It was also really fun to see so many people I didn’t know would be there.”

The franchise, known as a favorite in the eastern United States, has expanded quickly into Chinese frontiers and been wildly successful. Now, there are nearly 20 stores scattered across China, with many more likely to follow. Many think that the success of Shake Shack in China is a good indicator that many more western fast-food chains will enter the market within the near future, which is an exciting prospect to imagine.