Shake Shack will open a Mall of America location, its first in Minnesota

Shake Shack, a burger chain beloved on the East Coast, is opening its first Minnesota location at the Mall of America next summer.

The restaurant said Friday it will lease a 2,800-square-foot space in Culinary on North — the food court in the mall's newly opened expansion.

The brand is relatively new in the Midwest, but its menu and pricing rival Culver's, Five Guys and Smashburger chains. Its popularity on the East Coast is often compared to In-N-Out Burger's on the West Coast.

Calling itself a modern-day "roadside" burger stand, Shake Shack boasts its all-natural, antibiotic-free beef patties and hot dogs, as well as its frozen custard and crinkle-cut fries. It also offers beer and wine.

The New York-based company operates 75 locations in 13 states and the District of Columbia. The chain also has international locations in London, Istanbul, Dubai and Moscow.

"As we continue to expand, our collection of dining options reflects the developing consumer taste," Carrie Charleston, vice president of leasing at Mall of America, said in a statement. "We are focusing on an elevated collection of restaurants, and paying special attention to culinary-inspired, fast-casual, fresh concepts."

The restaurant chain was started in 2004 by Danny Meyer, well-known as the chief executive of Union Square Hospitality, which operates 13 different full-service restaurants in New York. In October, Meyer made headlines after announcing he was raising prices and eliminating tipping at his restaurants in an effort to create a more equitable income model for all his employees.

Kristen Leigh Painter • 612-673-4767