Hardware Podcasts

Shake Shack: Danny Meyer

How I Built This · 15 Jun 2020 · 55m

What this episode covers

Danny Meyer, founder of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, explains how a temporary hot dog cart in Madison Square Park evolved into a billion-dollar fast-casual chain. He details the strategic decision to open Union Square Cafe in 1985, his philosophy of hospitality versus service, and the operational pivot required to scale Shake Shack from a single kiosk to a global brand. Meyer also discusses the recent challenges of the pandemic, including the decision to return a PPP loan and the emotional toll of laying off staff.

Most relevant to

founders before launch and companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Union Square Hospitality Group, U.S. Bank, New York Times, Daily News
Products
Shake Shack, Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, 11 Madison Park, Tabla, Chipotle, In-N-Out Burger
Also
Zagat, Twitter, Pat LaFrieda

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