Business Description

Shake Shack Inc. was formed on September 23, 2014 as a Delaware corporation for the purpose of facilitating an initial public offering and other related transactions in order to carry on the business of SSE Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries ("SSE Holdings"). Shake Shack Inc. is the sole managing member of SSE Holdings and, as sole managing member, it operates and controls all of the business and affairs of SSE Holdings. As a result, Shake Shack Inc. consolidates the financial results of SSE Holdings and reports a non-controlling interest representing the economic interest in SSE Holdings held by the other members of SSE Holdings. Shake Shack Inc. Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SHAK." Unless the context otherwise requires, "we," "us," "our," "Shake Shack," the "Company" and other similar references refer to Shake Shack Inc. and, unless otherwise stated, all of its subsidiaries, including SSE Holdings. OVERVIEW Shake Shack serves modern, fun and elevated versions of American classics using only premium ingredients. We are known for our made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more. With our fine-dining roots and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack has become a cult brand. Our purpose is to Stand For Something Good ® , from premium ingredients and employee development to inspiring designs and community investment. Originally founded in 2001 by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group ("USHG"), which owns and operates some of New York City's most acclaimed and popular restaurants — such as Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern, to name a few — Shake Shack began as a hot dog cart to support the rejuvenation of New York City's Madison Square Park through its Conservancy's first art installation, "I Y Taxi." The cart was an instant success, with lines forming daily throughout the summer months over the next three years. In response, the city's Department of Parks and Recreation awarded Shake Shack a contract to create a kiosk to help fund the park's future. In 2004, Shake Shack officially opened. It soon became a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and a beloved New York City institution, garnering significant media attention, critical acclaim and a passionately devoted following. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to 659 Shacks system-wide, of which 373 were Company-operated Shacks and 286 were licensed Shacks, including Shacks across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more. Unless the context otherwise requires or unless specific reference is made to our licensed business, statements in this Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K refer to Shake Shack's Company-operated business. WE STAND FOR SOMETHING GOOD Our Purpose — Stand for Something Good: We will nurture the world’s communities by delivering exceptional food and hospitality. Everything that we do should be in service of our team members, guests, and communities. Our prosperity is a means to an end, with the end being improving the world in which we work, live, and play. Our Mission — To bring the world’s best fine casual experience to as many guests, team members, and communities as possible and, in doing so, to bring pride to everyone in our company and to deliver a strong financial benefit for our team members and shareholders. Shake Shack Inc. Form 10-K | 2