Beyond yummy burgers: This global burger joint helps promote art among Pinoy youth

For its fifth anniversary, Shake Shack also released a limited-time menu with sisig taking the spotlight. 

The past years have seen one international brand after another land on Philippine shores. Most have made a splash, but not all have thrived after the fanfare had died down.

Shake Shack is one of those brands that continue to be well-received five years since its much anticipated arrival in Metro Manila. From its flagship branch in Central Square BGC, it has opened in six other locations in Metro Manila, expanded its menu to include chicken sandwiches, an exclusive Ube Shake, and limited-time culinary offerings—remember the one-day only Chef Collaboration last November with Chef Jordy Navarra and Toyo Eatery?

And over the years, more than just churning out some of the world’s best burgers, the brand has also remained firm in its commitment to supporting the arts.

An artsy collab

With its “Stand for Something Good” ethos, Shack Shack continues its partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc. for the benefit of Centex. The collaboration aims to provide holistic educational programs that promote student, parent, and teacher development for underserved Filipino children. 

“Ayala Foundation is dedicated to our mission to build communities that thrive. Supporting DepEd through CENTEX, we aspire to help students realize their full potential and contribute to national development,” explained Tony Lambino, president of Ayala Foundation.

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, Shake Shack tapped young illustrator and designer Jethro Olba. Olba is known for his distinctive style characterized by squiggly lines and artwork inspired by pop culture of yesteryear. His designs always incorporate a touch of whimsy and themes of bayanihan, diversity, inclusivity, and youth.

With the support of Ayala Foundation, Olba, Centex, and Shake Shack mounted the Centex for the Shack Meets Art: Shack x Centex Design Competition, at Centex Batangas last March 22. The competition had eight groups competing to design the newest “Shack Swags” or Shake Shack merchandise.

The winning design showcases the Shack Jeep and Shack Fiesta characters drawn by Jrex Mendoza, Driana Krystal Banta, Sophia Ysabelle Castillo, Mel Arexiandrei Maranan, and Princess Elyza Raz. Olba then lends a playful and nostalgic touch on the design to render an updated look to the Shack PH visual icon.

These visual stamps will be featured in the Shack tees and sticker packs, of which 5 percent of its sales from May 10 to 17 will go to Centex. 

Sisig takes center stage

With Shake Shack’s fifth birthday in the Philippines comes a limited-time special menu with everybody’s favorite sisig taking the spotlight. 

We’re happy to announce that Crackle Shack Burger (P385) doesn’t disappoint. The addition of a dollop of sisig doesn’t seem stretched and went well with Shake Shack’s signature 100% all-natural patty. Completing the sinful ensemble are red onions, green chilis, and uber-crispy bagnet chicharon. The sisig sauce is worth a mention which is a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.

No burger meal is complete without fries on the side. The Crackle Shack Fries (P290) are crinkle-cut fries drenched in the same sisig sauce and also topped with red onions, spicy green chilis, and bagnet chicharon. This one-two punch burger-fries combo will lift your mood after a long day at work. Truly, utterly indulgent.

Temperatures are still sky-high, so pair up your meal with Shake Shack’s refreshing Guava Lemonade (P170 for small and P210 for large), which is house-blend lemonade with sweet guava puree. This is available for a limited time only.

If you’re looking for something with a little more kick, go for the ShackMeister Ale (P200, 330ml bottle), a light, hoppy beer, exclusively brewed for Shake Shack by Engkanto Brewery.

We can all agree that no meal is completely joyful without a sweet ending. That’s why starting May 10, Shake Shack fans across the metro will be able to enjoy the Uuube-by Baby Concrete (P270 for single and P375 for double). This country exclusive features frozen vanilla custard blended with ube, coconut cream, ube cookie, macapuno, sago pearls, and crispy pinipig, crowned with a generous portion of leche flan. 

“Reaching our five-year milestone is an incredible achievement, and we owe it to our growing Shack community. We’ve been through a two-year global pause, and it was the hard work from our dedicated Shack teams and the continuous support from the Shack fans that kept us going and being the driving force behind our success. And for that, we’re truly grateful,” said SSI Group, Inc. president and CEO Anton Huang. 

“We invite the Shack community to come celebrate with us, to create more opportunities to Stand for Something Good and to simply appreciate the joys of being and gathering together in a space that serves good eats and fosters uplifting experiences,” he added. 

You can enjoy the Crackle Shack menu until July 10 for dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and online orders. 

Learn more at shakeshack.ph. Follow their Instagram at @shakeshackph; and Facebook at facebook.com/shakeshackph.