Midwest favorite Steak ’n Shake has been a force in Las Vegas since opening at the South Point in 2010, but now it’s exploding. On March 16, the Hooters Casino just east of the Strip opened the largest Steak ’n Shake outlet anywhere, a more modern take on the classic burger and ice cream diner with room for more than 200 set to shift to a 24/7 schedule on April 2.
But that’s for the tourists. Local bar and restaurant operators Craig Von Meyer and Travis Carl (of Blondie’s Sports Bar at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops) are planning a Steak ’n Shake tsunami all over the Vegas Valley, starting with the first local standalone set to open in early May, a 3,200-square-foot spot with a drive-thru window on St. Rose Parkway south of the 215.
“It’s all about the nostalgia factor,” says Carl, a native Las Vegan. “I only knew about Steak ’n Shake from traveling to the Midwest and the East Coast, and at first it was, okay, cool, this is a good burger spot. I didn’t understand why there was always a line at the South Point. But going through the process and the franchise course, this is a great company to work with, and it’s a big opportunity for us.”
With thousands of Midwest transplants salivating over an influx of their favorite steakburgers, chili, Chicago dogs and hand-dipped milkshakes, it’s easy to understand why Carl and his company are planning to open five locations in the next five years. They could find another casino spot, too.
Until May, you’ll have to head to Hooters, the South Point or the food court at UNLV’s student union building to get a bite.
