Shake Shack files for IPO

Shake Shack Inc., which has gone from a kiosk in a New York City park to international burger chain over the last decade, filed for an initial public offering in the United States with a plan to reward its founder, Danny Meyer, and expand.

Shake Shack has more than 63 outlets in over 30 cities, from London to Dubai, including two Philadelphia stores and one in King of Prussia. It's profitable, with sales of nearly $84 million in the 39 weeks through Sept. 24, the filing shows. The company is aiming for a $1 billion valuation in the IPO, people familiar with the matter said in September.

Meyer, 56, is credited with founding some of New York's most prestigious eateries, including Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, and Union Square Cafe, which he opened three decades ago. Born and raised in St. Louis, he serves as chairman of Shake Shack and his Union Square Hospitality Group L.L.C. also operates a catering business and hospitality consulting services.

Shake Shack's origins lie in a Madison Square Park hot dog cart that became a permanent kiosk. It's known for drawing long lines of hungry city dwellers seeking $4.95 burgers and $5.15 shakes, popularity that has led to rapid growth - with sales up 41 percent in the year-over-year period through September - and expansion overseas.

In the U.S., Shake Shack plans to open 10 new company-operated stores each year starting in 2015, and expects it could grow from 31 company-operated stores in the U.S. to 450 over the long-term, it said in the filing. The company didn't say how long it will take to reach that target.

Shake Shack used a $100 million placeholder for the IPO, a figure to calculate fees that may change. The company has applied to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SHAK.

In addition to making a payment to Meyer and early backers including Leonard Green & Partners L.P., the company plans to use its IPO proceeds to repay debt, open new Shake Shack restaurants, and renovate existing ones.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley are managing the offering. Because Shake Shack filed as an emerging-growth company under the Jumpstart Our Business Start-ups (JOBS) Act, it must wait at least 21 days before officially marketing its share sale.

Other restaurants chains have been tapping the public market this year, capitalizing on investors' appetites for new and growth stocks. Pizza seller Papa Murphy's Holdings Inc. raised $63.8 million after going public in May, while chicken chain El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. has gained about 40 percent since its July IPO.