Shake Shack sees hours-long lines on opening day in Cary

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- One of the most popular fast-food burger joints is finally here.

Shake Shack opened its first Triangle location in Cary on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

The Cary Shake Shack is located at Waverly Place on Colonades Way.

But if you want to go this week, be prepared for a wait.

Diners waited for hours on Wednesday.

"The lines, the reception that we've had since 9 this morning has been phenomenal," said Area Director Allan Ng.

No. 3 in that line was Erika Heyder Seeley.

"I thought I was going to be first but two guys skirted in front of me," she said.

It was a mix of Shake Shack veterans and those waiting to try it out for the first time.

"I have loved Shake Shack since I lived in New York City for a long time," Seeley said. "It was always my go-to guilty pleasure -- just a burger and fry when you're having a rough day."

Staff handed out free drinks as customers battled the heat outside.

The fast-food restaurant was founded in New York. It started as a hot dog stand in 2001. Now it features burgers, dogs, fries and of course milkshakes.

Shake Shack has about 250 locations worldwide. The chain said it planned to open 40 new restaurants, including Cary, in 2019.