New York City-based Shake Shack, which calls itself a “modern day ‘roadside’ burger stand,” intends to open next year in the space that M Shack has occupied for a decade at St. Johns Town Center.
Chef Matthew Medure, founder and CEO of Jacksonville-based Medure Brothers Culinary Concepts, said Oct. 9 that M Shack’s 10-year lease will expire March 1, 2024, and all furniture, fixtures and equipment will be removed and M Shack will vacate the building.
“We would have liked to sign another lease for 5 years, however, that was denied as they stated they only sign 10-year leases,” he said of landlord Simon Property Group.
Shake Shack, a public company, says it serves “elevated versions” of made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, housemade lemonades, beer, wine and more.
“Currently, I can confirm that the Jacksonville Shake Shack location will open in 2024,” said Shake Shack Brand Communications Specialist Kate DeMarco on Oct. 9.
DeMarco said more details would be shared when they are confirmed.
“We had a wonderful run at the mall and really enjoyed being a part of that community. The M Shack saw great success over the years, and we are left with many terrific memories,” Medure said.
“As we begin the closing process, all employees will be given the opportunity to apply/transfer to any of our other Medure Brothers Restaurants.”
He said the remaining M Shack at Nocatee “has a long life ahead” and the company will add new concepts to it, “including an expanded ice cream/shake program and reinventing approximately 50% of the full menu.”
He anticipates launching those updates by the end of April.
Investor.ShakeShack.com says that since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 480 locations systemwide, including more than 310 in 32 states and the District of Columbia, and about 170 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.
As of June 28, 2023, there were 471 Shake Shacks in operation, of which 270 were domestic company-operated, 35 were domestic licensed and 166 were international licensed.
There are 21 in Florida, the closest in Orlando.
Shake Shack expects to open 40 company-operated and 35 new licensed Shacks in fiscal 2023, which ends in December.
Shake Shack serves burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, beer and wine.
“With its fresh and simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community-gathering place with widespread appeal,” the site says.
The city received an intake application for plan review for Shake Shack to renovate the M Shack space at 10281 Midtown Parkway, No. 101, at an estimated cost of $1.3 million.
BAI Architecture Inc. of Boston is the architect for the 3,136-square-foot project.
M Shack and Medure Brothers
M Shack, led by chefs Matthew and David Medure, opened in the Town Center space in late 2013.
It offers beef burgers, beef hot dogs, hand-cut fries, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, sides and shakes, including spiked shakes, beer and wine.
Burgers range from $6.95 to $15.95.
M Shack operates two locations in Town Center and in Nocatee at 641 Crosswater Parkway.
“The chef-driven, scratch concept is a collaboration between brothers, Matthew and David Medure, standing as their third culinary concept. Their mission is to create an environment that bolsters community, hospitality, and good food,” the MShackBurgers.com site says.
The original M Shack restaurant in the Beaches Town Center closed in October 2021 after 10 years in business.
Matthew Medure said it was “purely staffing issues” that caused the closure.
Parking had also been an issue for the restaurant at 299 Atlantic Blvd., especially around dinnertime, he said.
Staffing has been less of an issue at the Town Center and Nocatee restaurants, he said.
The Medures closed an M Shack near Five Points in December 2019 to make a deal with a franchisee for Another Broken Egg Cafe and turn over the lease.
The Medures’ other concepts are Matthew’s Restaurant, Restaurant Medure, Rue Saint-Marc, Midtown Table, and, in Mayo Clinic, M Brothers and Zest.
