Shake Shack sizzles in market debut

Shares of gourmet hamburger chain Shake Shack Inc soared 150 per cent in their first few minutes of trading on Friday, valuing the company that grew out of a hotdog cart in New York's Madison Square Park at nearly US$2 billion.

The sizzling debut follows the successful listing two months ago of Habit Restaurants Inc, highlighting strong appetite for shares of companies serving up premium burgers.

Shake Shack shares hit US$52.49 in early trading on the New York Stock Exchange, way above their offer price of US$21.

At the high, founder Daniel Meyer's 21 per cent stake in the company was worth about US$390 million.

Meyer, who also owns popular New York restaurants Blue Smoke, Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe, opened the first Shake Shack in 2004. Since then, the chain has won a near-cult following for its rich milkshakes, crinkle fries and hormone- and antibiotic-free burgers.

Shake Shack raised US$105 million from its initial public offering. Underwriters JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley had originally set an expected price range of US$14-US16 per share, but later raised this to US$17-US19 due to strong demand.

Premium chains have been outperforming in the overall burger category, driven by demand from young, affluent consumers.

Shake Shack's customers spend roughly US$30 for a meal for two - considerably more than diners spend at struggling fast-food giant McDonald's Inc.

Sales at premium chains including Five Guys and Smashburger rose 9 per cent in 2013, according to restaurant consultancy Technomic Inc, while overall sales at all burger chains including McDonald's fell 1 per cent.

The burger market, the largest dine-out segment in the United States, generated more than US$72 billion in sales in 2013.

Shake Shack has 63 restaurants, more than half outside the United States, many of these in the Middle East. The company has said it plans to open 10 US, company-operated restaurants each year and could eventually grow to at least 450 locations.

The IPO market has been fruitful for so-called fast-casual restaurant operators hoping to replicate the scorching growth of Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. Chipotle's shares, which listed at US$22 in 2006, closed at US$714.53 on Thursday.

Private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners holds 26 per cent of Shake Shack, while employee-owned hedge fund sponsor Select Equity Group holds 12.3 per cent.

Shake Shack's net income fell 20 per cent to US$3.6 million in the 39 weeks ended September 24. Revenue rose 41 per cent to US$83.8 million.

REUTERS