Shake Shack, which is struggling with guest counts in large cities where foot traffic and tourism are down, is tempting big city diners with a new luxurious line of burgers featuring black truffle sauce.
The fast-casual chain introduced Tuesday the truffle-focused menu at stores in New York City and Southern California. The three premium burgers are topped with a black truffle sauce made from Regalis Foods’ USDA Organic Black Truffle Arbequina Oil.
Regalis Foods, founded by Ian Purkayastha, is a well-regarded importer of luxury products from more than 40 countries. It supplies 90% of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S., according to the company’s website. The company’s black truffle oil is made with California extra virgin olive oil and black winter truffles from Valencia, Spain.
Shake Shack is selling the truffle burgers through the end of Decmeber at Shake Shacks in Madison Square Park and the Upper West Side in New York City and Glendale and El Segundo in the greater Los Angeles area.
The burgers include a Black Truffle Burger for $8.89 featuring Roth Cheese Gruyere topped with black truffle sauce and crispy shallots; a Black Truffle ‘Shroom Burger for $8.89 featuring a crispy portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses and topped with black truffle sauce and shredded lettuce; and a Black Truffle Shack Stack for $11.89, featuring Roth Cheese Gruyere and a ‘Shroom Burger topped with black truffle sauce.
Mark Rosati, culinary director, said the premium burgers are "priced reasonably for our guests."
"Our black truffle sauce made with Regalis Foods’ USDA Organic Black Truffle Arbequina Oil is what makes this limited-edition menu seem more luxurious, but in the end, its pure comfort all the way," he told NRN. "The sauce has truffle and umami flavors with the addition of caramelized mushrooms, thyme, fresh bay leaf, port and madeira fortified wines and parmesan cheese. We add aged sherry vinegar to balance the umami and overall richness."
All the burgers are served on a toasted Martin’s potato bun. The company is also selling Black Truffle Sauce on the side for a $1.50.
The menu was created in collaboration with Purkayastha and his team.
"We wanted to ensure it was elevated, inspired by our fine dining heritage and with a focus on premium ingredients," Rosati said a statement.
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