Palm Desert’s dining scene is about to get a major upgrade with the arrival of Shake Shack, the beloved New York-based burger chain that has won hearts across the nation. Known for its high-quality ingredients and distinctive menu offerings, Shake Shack plans to open its first Coachella Valley location later this year at The Shops on El Paseo.
Shake Shack began as a humble hot dog cart in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park in 2001 and has since expanded into a global phenomenon with hundreds of locations. The menu features a range of mouthwatering options, including Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, crinkle-cut fries, frozen custard, and refreshing lemonades. Since its California debut in 2015 with a store in West Hollywood, Shake Shack has grown to include several outlets in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine. Currently, the closest Shake Shack to the Coachella Valley is 85 miles away at Victoria Gardens.
A company spokesperson confirmed that the new Shake Shack will be located at 73-199 El Paseo, in a space formerly occupied by Soft Surroundings. This addition will join the ranks of other high-profile fast-food chains like Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s, which have recently established a presence in the valley.
While In-N-Out has its loyal fans and now boasts five locations in or near the valley, including the controversial Rancho Mirage spot that opened in 2022, Shake Shack offers a unique and, some might argue, superior alternative. As a Shake Shack enthusiast, I find their offerings, especially the crinkle fries, to be a cut above the rest. The crispy, golden crinkle-cut fries are a personal favorite and a standout item that complements their juicy, flavorful burgers perfectly.
The Shops at El Paseo, known for its upscale retail and dining options like Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Porta Via currently lacks a fast-food style eatery with counter service. Shake Shack’s arrival will fill this gap, providing a casual yet gourmet dining option for both locals and visitors.
Shake Shack is already in the process of hiring staff for the new location. Interested applicants can visit ShakeShack.com/Join-Our-Team for more information. While the exact opening date has yet to be announced, anticipation is building for this exciting new addition to Palm Desert’s culinary landscape.
Prepare your taste buds for the ultimate burger experience—Shake Shack is coming to town, and it’s set to redefine fast food in the Coachella Valley.
