A few months ago, we told you about the upcoming arrival of Shake Shack, a New York chain specializing in burgers and shakes (‘natch) at the corner of 20th & Sansom. More recently, we brought this construction site to your attention again, noting the excellent and unexpected addition of greenery to an otherwise uninteresting plywood wall. Last week, the plywood wall came down, and on Tuesday, Shake Shack officially opened for business. And people, like, totally freaked out.

The line on the first day wrapped around the building. Foobooz did a four-hour live blogging of the opening. Today, there were again people climbing over each other to get in the door.

Well after the lunch rush

The mob inside

Not since Federal Donuts do we remember this much excitement and energy surrounding the opening of a new food establishment. While Federal Donuts had the benefit of a considerable amount of local food star power behind it, Shake Shack enjoys a tremendous level of brand recognition and passion associated with its products. What other national (or regional) chains could inspire this reaction in Philly? We’re not sure we can think of anything other than In-N-Out Burger. Any other suggestions?

As for us, we’re gonna stick with our old reliable milk shake spot, for the time being. Millie’s, we hope you never change.

Paradise at 15th and Shunk Streets. And no lines!