Pittsburgh's first Shake Shack opens in the Strip District

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh's first Shake Shack is open.

The location at The Terminal on Smallman Street in the Strip District cut the ribbon and opened its doors on Monday.

The company's CEO, who is actually a Bethel Park High School alum, was at the grand opening. He says he hopes to be able to build a sense of community with his new hometown location. 

"That's what we do at Shake Shack, that's why I'm so passionate about coming here," said CEO Rob Lynch. "We go into communities and we become a part of that community. So being here and seeing this wonderful space that has been redeveloped over the last few years, we're just proud to be a part of it." 

The first people through the door Monday morning got to pick up some custom swag, courtesy of Love, Pittsburgh, and were also treated to a performance from the Pittsburgh Steeline. Yinzers were lined up and down the street, with some getting in line as early as 7:30 a.m. to be some of the first to try the spot.

"I've always been a fan of Shake Shack and I knew it was going to be busy so I said, 'if I'm not first, what am I then?' So of course I had to be first in line," said Raechel Mabie of Oakland.

While Shake Shack has multiple locations in Pennsylvania, they're all in the eastern part of the state. The one in the Strip District will be the Pittsburgh area's first. 

Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in New York City's Madison Square Park and has grown into a global business known for its burgers, chicken sandwiches, crinkle fries and milkshakes. 

The burger joint will join other chains like Chipotle and PrimoHoagies at The Terminal, which is a former produce distribution hub that was transformed into 163,500 square feet of retail and office space. It also houses several locally owned and operated businesses.  

The Shake Shack at the Terminal will be open from 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.