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Food & Drink

“I’m getting paid to do this”: Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why

By Rebecca Tucker| Photography by Giordano Ciampini
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"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why

On Wednesday, burger fanatics lined up around the block (and down the street) from Momofuku Daishō, where Shake Shack popped up for one afternoon only. The New York-based mini-empire was serving its signature ShackBurgers and crinkle-cut fries, with $1 from every purchase going to the SickKids Foundation. It was a first-come, first-served scenario, meaning burger hopefuls lined up as early as 9:30 a.m.—three hours before the pop-up opened—to sink their teeth into a limited-time-only patty with lettuce, tomato, cheese and ShackSauce. We asked a few people what time they showed up, and why.

"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why
Jason Chan

Office worker
Arrived at: 9:30 (first in line) “I was surprised that when I showed up there weren’t more people in line. I’ve never had Shake Shack before, but I’ve heard very good things.”    

"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why
Austin Luc, Kevin Wong, Sam Prima, Jensen Wong

All culinary students
Arrived at: 9:30 Kevin: “I went to Vegas once with my parents. They had Shake Shack there, but there was a gas leak, so we couldn’t try it.”    

"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why
Gavin Hertogh

Student
Arrived at: 10 a.m. “I will not be eating a burger. I’m actually holding a spot in line for someone. I’m getting paid to do this.”    

"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why
Emily Hunter, Sean Hunter, Mark Hunter

Arrived at: 10:30 Emily: “We’ve had Shake Shack, in New York. I really like their burgers.”    

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"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why
Sandra Latcham

Food industry worker
Arrived at: 10:50 a.m. “I’ve had Shake Shack in Boston, New York and Vegas. I actually own shares in the company. I love burgers!"    

"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why
Tenika Bennett, Fiona Laviolette

Virgin Mobile employees
Arrived at: “Almost 11 a.m.” Fiona: “We have the best boss in the world. They know we’re here—they let us come!" Tenika: “I like the novelty of this. They’re not going to be here again, so you might as well do it.”    

"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why
Louise Mangalino

Office worker and burger blogger
Arrived at: 11 a.m. “I’ve never had Shake Shack before. Everyone tells me how amazing it is.”    

"I'm getting paid to do this": Shake Shack devotees on how long they waited for a burger—and why
Katie Dargie

Bank worker
Arrived at: 11:50 a.m. “I’m on my lunch break. I’m worried I’m not going to get a burger, and I wonder how quickly this line is going to go, because I do have a meeting to get to.”

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