When fast-food chains decide to go to war over competition, there’s one thing you can count on — zero subtlety. For example, Shake Shack just dropped its biggest burger yet, called (ahem) the Big Shack, and I bet my 4-year-old could tell how little effort went into hiding the jab at a certain “Big” sandwich that’s been around since the ’60s. But then again, originality, smoriginality.
The chain announced this week it’s ending the year big by launching its biggest, boldest burger ever, The Big Shack, available for a limited time nationwide starting November 4. The burger consists of two quarter-pound Angus patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, hand-sliced onions, thick-cut pickles, and a bonus middle bun to hold it all together. It comes with a new “secret sauce,” too, because that’s the rule for burgers with three buns. Shake Shack’s Big Shack is also priced lower than many of its other menu items, suggesting it might be aiming at McDonald’s lower price point.
What Does Shake Shack’s Big Shack Include?
Shake Shack insists that while “the Big Shack may sound familiar, it’s made different,” describing it as the deluxe version of its signature ShackBurger. However, the Big Shack ingredients are curiously listed in the same order as McDonald’s iconic Big Mac jingle: “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a sesame seed bun,” with the addition of Roma tomatoes. Though knowing Shake Shack’s reputation, you can count on better ingredients and a burger that actually looks like the picture. It’s fresh-made, never frozen, and delivers 56 grams of protein. Shake Shack says it’s a limited-time item, so it might sell out fast.
Shack Shack’s Big Shack costs $9.99, which is a dollar less than the ShackBurger and several dollars less than many of their other burgers. While the price is still higher than McDonald’s Big Mac, which usually clock in at $4 to $6, depending on location, it does seem like Shack Shack wants to offer burger lovers a less expensive option, while still offering high quality ingredients.
If that’s not enough incentive, the chain’s throwing in a bit of goodwill. On Veterans Day (November 11), all active and retired military personnel can grab a free Big Shack with a valid ID, while supplies last.
Is Shake Shack’s Big Shack Good?
Even though it’s been 24 hours since the burger launched, early taste tests seem to back the hype. Steven Morea at Delish calls it “Heavier, meatier, and more flavorful” than the Big Mac while praising the caramelized crust and the sharper, tangier sauce.
More Fast-Food Stories You Might Like
- Shake Shack Secret Menu Items You’ll Definitely Want to Try — From ‘chili’ cheese fries to the Shack-ago burger, keep these hacks in mind for your next order.
- 10 Fast-Food Restaurants That Never Use Frozen Beef — Shake Shack is famous for not using frozen beef. See which other chains only use the fresh stuff.
- 10 Fast-Food Chains That Use Real Ice Cream — Shake Shack’s namesake frozen custard shakes are made with premium ice cream. See who else is using top-notch ice cream.
