Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Controversy surrounding Israel expansion
The announcement and opening of Shake Shack restaurants in Israel drew criticism related to the Israel-Gaza conflict and the perception that entering the market could be interpreted as support for Israeli policy. The expansion had been announced before the October 2023 attacks and ensuing war.
2023
Criticism over animal-welfare commitments
Animal-welfare organizations criticized Shake Shack over limited public reporting on its progress toward cage-free eggs and implementation of chicken-welfare commitments. The company had pledged to address battery-cage eggs and had adopted the Better Chicken Commitment.
2020
Paycheck Protection Program loan controversy
Shake Shack received a $10 million PPP loan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics argued that a chain with many restaurants should not have benefited from a program designed to support smaller businesses. The company said it would return the funds so that restaurants in greater need could use them.