Leadership

Shake Shack adds culinary innovation role

John Karangis, the Union Square Hospitality Group’s executive catering chef, will assume the new post.
John Karangis
Photograph courtesy of Shake Shack

Expect to see more new menu items at Shake Shack.

The fast-growing fast-casual burger chain has added a new job post: head of culinary innovation.

John Karangis, previously the executive chef for the catering arm of Union Square Hospitality Group, becomes Shake Shack’s executive chef and vice president of culinary innovation, the company announced Tuesday. Founded in 2004, Shake Shack was originally part of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. It became a public company in 2015.

Last month, Shake Shack opened a test kitchen in New York City. It became the first of the chain’s units to roll out bite-sized breaded chicken pieces made from antibiotic-free poultry and cooked via sous vide.

“Shake Shack is more committed than ever to growth, evolution and culinary excellence,” CEO Randy Garutti said in a statement. “With the recent addition of our innovation kitchen, we are acutely focused on further developing a thoughtful and exciting menu for our guests.”

Karangis officially assumes the role on Oct. 29, the company said.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

For Starbucks, 2 years of change hasn't yielded promised results

The Bottom Line: The coffee shop giant’s sales struggles worsened earlier this year, despite a flurry of efforts to improve operations and employee satisfaction.

Food

Nando's Americanizes its menu a bit as U.S. expansion continues

Behind the Menu: Favorites like mac and cheese, bowls and salads join the fast casual’s Afro-Portuguese-rooted dishes, including the signature peri-peri chicken.

Financing

The consumer is cutting back, but not everywhere

The Bottom Line: Early earnings from major restaurant chains suggest the consumer has taken a distinct turn for the worse so far in 2024.

Trending

More from our partners