Shake Shack Opens at Salt River, Features Mural by Dwayne Manuel

By Chris Picciuolo

From the Loop 101 and North 90th Street, a large, vibrant mural on two adjoining walls can be seen in the distance. As you exit the freeway, you’ll notice that the walls hold up the foundation of a brand-new Shake Shack fast-food restaurant located within the Talking Stick Entertainment District.

The Shake Shack at Salt River is the restaurant chain’s first drive-through location in Arizona and the only Shake Shack located on tribal land.

The mural, titled “At the River’s Edge,” was created by Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community artist and muralist Dwayne Manuel, who said he is grateful to represent his Community in any way, shape or form. The mural depicts an abstract Salt River flowing through the early-morning colors of a Sonoran Desert landscape, as described by Manuel.

Shake Shack Opens at Salt River, Features Mural by Dwayne Manuel — Photos by Nalani Lopez

“We should always have our aesthetic and O’odham themes on the businesses and structures that are developed on our land as a reminder of our continued presence and relevance in the Valley of the Sun,” said Manuel.

The Community welcomed the new Shake Shack with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 11, after which it immediately opened to the public. The first wave of guests received custom reusable Shake Shack tote bags with Manuel’s mural printed on them.

“We are thrilled to bring our first Shake Shack drive-through to Scottsdale within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as we continue to grow in Arizona,” said Andrew McCaughan, chief development officer, Shake Shack. “The team is ready to welcome the Community with our warm hospitality, quality ingredients and exciting menu offerings throughout the year.”

For every burger and chicken sandwich ordered on opening day, Shake Shack donated $1 to the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation (SRCCF), eventually reaching a total of $1,317 for 1,317 sandwiches.

“The Salt River Community Children’s Foundation is happy to partner with Shake Shack on their opening day. We appreciate Shake Shack’s partnership, which supports our mission of giving back to our Community children to help them reach their fullest potential and personal success,” said SRCCF chair Pila Mendoza.

Shake Shack’s drive-through features a digital menu board, a two-lane ordering system and a separate pickup window.