Video: How Much Would You Pay To Skip The Shake Shack Line?

One way to skip the line? Wait for the rain (ChristNYCa 's flickr)

The line outside of Shake Shack, especially the original flavor at Madison Square Park, is famously long. Way back in 2006 we even offered a few solutions for the dealing with the line. One of them (a webcam) was almost immediately adopted by the burger mecca, and five years later someone went and implemented another of our suggestions. Sort of. While we thought that the line was a great opportunity for some ambitious unemployed people, we guess bloggers have to eat as well?

See, the women at TheGloss apparently work just across the street from Madison Square Park so one day last week they decided to do a little experiment. They sent one editor down the line and then when they were almost ready to order an intern went and asked people at the end of the line what they would pay to be up front. After they named their price, they paid and moved on up. As you can see in the below video, TheGloss ladies "came out of this exercise with delicious burgers and shakes. And enough spare cash to feed a small group of friends."

We've reached out to Union Square Hospitality Group, which runs Shake Shack, to find out how they feel about line squatters making money off of their customers, but have yet to hear back. We can't imagine they are too upset about it, though—they get paid either way.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Garth Johnston in Food on July 18, 2011 5:11 PM

Comments [rss]

Christopher Havens

loved the use of Snidely Whiplash

Colonel_Ingus

Sooooo... you became freelance waitresses. Congrats, you found a niche and filled it. Now why all the anti-capitalist baloney? Everyone got what they wanted and for a fair price.

Unkle_Bob

They're cute, that probably helps - I'd pay them...

shocktheday

Or you can go to the drinks line, act confused and then find an opportunity to jump the line. There's usually some group too busy talking to each other to realize you just jumped in front of them.

snarfy

One of the biggest mysteries in New York is why people wait 60+ minutes (or even 10+ minutes) for Shake Shack. Is it because everybody else is in line? Average burgers (though smallish). Average fries. It's not that great. If there is no line and you're hungry, go. Otherwise, not worth it.

da_phonz

I've never waited in it since I can't imagine it'd be better than another grease patty, but I bet the patients people find has a lot to do with the nice environment of waiting in Madison Square Park. Put it in a mall and try it out.

Unkle_Bob

And, in fact, the lines at the more traditional Shake Shack locations are much, much shorter. No way I'd stand on a crowded sidewalk for 90 minutes for this.

mistermarkdavis

While you wait in line you are in a park with your friends. after you order you are in a park eating food with your friends. after you finish eating you can stay in the park with your friends.

cr17

"Is it because everybody else is in line?" - Bingo.

LtWorf

Shake Shack is good, but it ain't THAT good. Unless I can get my burger in 10-15 min, screw it. I'm going elsewhere.

Michael M. Millican

Not a penny. I am going to Dumont. Forget this trash.

Guest

That sounds like it could come dangerously close to starting a riot. Are people really going to standby on a Shake Shack line and let other people get in front of them under any circumstances?

Unkle_Bob

Did you watch the video? No one's cutting in line.

O2C

They are cutting the line by getting their orders in earlier and made it worse for the people who were lined up before them.

Think of it this way -- you're second in a line of 100. If the person in front of you places the orders for the 98 people behind you, would you still feel no one has cut the line?