Shake Shack projected to open in spring

Crews working on the exterior of the structure that will be the site of the new Shake Shack. The latest projection is for the restaurant to open in the spring. Martin Wilbur photo

By MARTIN WILBUR

The building that is under renovation on North Bedford Road for a new Shake Shack is now scheduled to open in the spring.

Andrew Whitelaw, the architect retained by the burger chain for the renovation to the roughly 4,000-square-foot space, said that the corporation is projecting the popular eatery to begin operation sometime in April.

Construction crews are looking to complete exterior work and enclose the structure in the upcoming weeks before the onset of winter, Whitelaw said. Then a separate contractor hired by Shake Shack will begin the interior design, he said.

Late last year, the applicant had been eyeing a summer 2025 opening, but work was delayed. Whitelaw said there wasn’t any particular reason for the missed opening.

“Typical construction process,” he said. “Nothing in particular that dictated it.”

The space was previously split between a Dunkin’ and Oishii Asian fusion restaurant.

Workers are updating the exterior of the building and it will contain Shake Shack’s signature look. When completed there will be about 75 interior seats and possibly several more outside.

Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich said he’s optimistic that Shake Shack will be a popular destination since restaurants and service businesses seem to be more successful than retail shops in today’s business landscape.

“I think they’ll do well up there,” Cindrich said. “There’s competition but the uniqueness is something that attracts people, and we’ll see.”

Since Shake Shack representatives appeared before the village’s Architectural Review Board last fall, there have been no significant changes to the plans, Whitelaw said. No formal approvals were needed from any of the municipal boards.

When it opens, the Mount Kisco location would be the sixth Shake Shack in Westchester. Other stores are operating in White Plains, Hartsdale, Port Chester and two in Yonkers.

It will also be the newest business along the Route 117 corridor on that side of town. Last Friday, local officials welcomed Cadillac Mount Kisco with the grand opening of its new car dealership at 271 North Bedford Road. Last year, ShopRite relocated from Bedford Hills to the Diamond Properties complex at 333 North Bedford Road.