Shake Shack opens next to Burger City in East Meadow sparking residential debate

Are you worried about the "same-ification" of Long Island as national chains move in? People are showing up to support East Meadow's locally owned Burger City, which recently got shoved into the spotlight when global company Shake Shack moved in next door.

The New York City-based burger chain which opened its first location in 2004 is drawing online and in-person debate with its latest opening.

The conversation centers on The Meadows, a spacious shopping center on Hempstead Turnpike with your usual assortment of chains and local businesses, like a pet supply store, a dentist and a slice shop. On Oct. 21, Shake Shack opened its ninth Long Island location next door to the locally owned favorite, Burger City. This affront seems to have touched a nerve with local residents. 

Jay Losco, 42, of East Meadow, said by phone that Burger City has become one of his family's go-to spots. Losco said he prefers to spend his money at local businesses and was pleasantly surprised at the outpouring of support for Burger City when he posted a photo of a line out the door at the eatery on Facebook earlier this month. 

"It's nothing against Shake Shack. It's just why are you stepping on the little guy's toes?" Losco said. Losco owns an ATM business and is co-owner of Simply Green Cannabis Dispensary in Coram. "Let them operate. They've been here. They're an East Meadow community staple." 

The scene was stark this Tuesday afternoon around lunchtime. The Shake Shack, which appears  double the size of the neighboring Burger City, sat relatively empty aside from the stream of cars moving through the drive-thru. Burger City was bustling, with a near constant line of customers which often spread out into the parking lot. Although Burger City opened in a former Rita's Ice in 2015, it was made to look like a retro 1960s burger shack, with a sparkly sign and American flags waving from the roof. 

"I'm not a big fan of that, impinging a small business, mom-and-pop shop," said customer William Giblin, a paramedic who was on his break with his co-worker Christian Carballo. " Burger City's still doing well, hopefully it continues that way. but I think a lot of the community feels the same way that I do." 

Customer Steven Cycan, who was also waiting for his food in the busy lobby, expressed displeasure with the proximity of the two businesses. 

"I really think it's bad that they opened up right next door to this place. [Burger City] was already established," he said. "Businesses have proper etiquette and they should keep their space. You could open a Shake Shack a mile down the road instead of right on top of this Burger City." 

Jacksonville-based real estate investment trust Regency Centers purchased the shopping center, where both Burger City and Shake Shack are located, for $30 million in 2022, property records show. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

The Town of Hempstead declined to answer questions about the center's ownership, but sent an emailed statement laying the onus on the landlord. 

"The town board's role is to make sure that any incoming tenant conforms to the strictures of town code," reads the statement from communications director Brian Devine. "Any further questions regarding choice of tenant would best be answered by the landlord, as that would solely be under their discretion."

Burger City co-owner Jerard Roggio was on hand during a recent lunch service, chatting with customers and regulars who streamed through the doors, offering their endorsements. "Our focus is on how we can improve within our four walls every single day," he said when asked about the neighboring opening. He declined to comment on Shake Shack's opening and when asked about any planned business model changes in response to the opening. 

Since he opened the joint with his father Jimmy, the emphasis has been on affordability. While Shake Shack next door touts its animal welfare policies and sourcing standards, Burger City serves old-school hamburger patties at competitive prices for 2026. 

The current Burger City menu has a hamburger for $3.25, and loads you up with all manner of sauces including ranch dressing for no extra cost. The bill for two people during this Tuesday afternoon came to $33.69, which included a double quarter pounder with cheese and bacon, french fries with chili cheese sauce, two milkshakes and even a knish, which we dipped in ranch dressing. That's comparable to the average cost of a White Castle these days, although the patty had no sear to it, kind of like at All American Hamburger in Massapequa. A burger at the East Meadow Shake Shack is listed as starting at $7.49 online.

"The burgers are great, they're hometown. Fries are better than All American, they're way better than [Shake Shack]," said customer David Cohan, as he was waiting for his order in the busy front area by the counter. Cohan said that Burger City was getting more customers because of the Streisand Effect, a reference to a Barbra Streisand lawsuit that famously backfired. "Those guys [Shake Shack] picked a fight with the wrong guys."

Shake Shack started out as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in 2001, and has since grown to be a publicly traded company with locations in nearly 20 countries. According to an article in Yahoo Finance, Shake Shack has had a rocky ride on the stock market and recently got a big infusion of cash from Starboard Value, the hedge fund that has worked with brands like Olive Garden, Papa John's and Outback Steakhouse. Shares of Shake Shack on the New York Stock Exchange have fallen about 26% in the past year to $67.22 as of Wednesday's market close.

A Shake Shack representative said they hired 60 people for the East Meadow location.

"We’re excited to become part of the East Meadow community and committed to being a good neighbor," Luke DeRouen, a Shake Shake spokesperson, said this week in an emailed statement. "We recognize the important role local restaurants and businesses play in making Long Island special and look forward to contributing alongside them. We’re proud to bring new jobs to the area and look forward to welcoming the community and providing a great guest experience."

Richie Buono, a commercial real estate broker at Island Associates Real Estate in Smithtown said the location gives Shake Shack coveted visibility from passing cars on Hempstead Turnpike. Buono was not involved in the Shake Shack lease.

"It’s a great location," Buono said. "It’s survival of the fittest and the product itself will keep the customer in the door."