Steak ‘n Shake construction is under way
An excavator moves dirt at the Steak 'n Shake site at Crossroads. Photo by Amanda Codispoti
Construction on the long-awaited Roanoke Steak ‘n Shake began Tuesday, nearly a year after the restaurant was supposed to open.
On Tuesday afternoon an excavator and front loader broke up the blacktop and graded dirt at the site off Hershberger Road at Crossroads Mall.
Lee Garvin, the franchisee’s director of real estate and development, said construction typically takes about 100 days, with the restaurant opening a week after construction is complete. That puts the opening date about March, weather permitting.
The restaurant, known for its steak burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes, first announced it was coming to Roanoke the summer of 2011. The franchisee, Steaks of Virginia, planned a December 2011 opening. But delays with other restaurants the franchisee built throughout Virginia set back the Roanoke project, Garvin has said.
Nearby, construction is progressing rapidly on a Cook Out restaurant. Jake Copty, a broker for Thalhimer which handled the sale of the land to Cook Out, said the restaurant hopes to open by the first of the year. It might seem ambitious, but Copty said the company broke ground on the restaurant the day the bought the land, which in his experience is almost unheard of.
November 28, 2012 - 5:00 AM
Lookin forward to trying out these 2 new places, but they are gonna have to be really on their game to come close to the hot dogs and burgers at the Richee Freeze……………..
I love Richee Freeze too! They should definitely start taking debit cards to help keep up with the competition.
YAY!!!! I knew they would build it! We’re excited, been eating there since the 70′s, mostly in FL. Along w/ the shakes and burgers they have a great breakfast! As far as Cookout goes, we’ve only eaten there once, at the one in Blacksburg. We were not impressed, haven’t been back, partly b/c we’re not up that way very often. Once they open in Roanoke we’ll give them another try…
We eat at the one in Springfield ohio and the one in Daytona a lot.They are both clean,good people,and great food.When it opens give it a try,it will be a great addition to the eating experience in Roanoke.I will go there when I come to town.
Hey Amanda. Welcome back. Have you heard anything more on IVY MARKET? Have an email into SOUTH PEAK to see when they will be breaking ground on the htel and retail section. Should be soon now that Condos are up. Wil let you know what I hear and you do the same. Would it not be something if Keagy Village has a grocer before IVY MARKET.
I also noticed for the first time today – the Bonefish Grill Building as well as the Texas Steakhous Building right next to it (at valley view) are BOTH demolished! Kinda caught me off guard as I drove by there today. . . any word on who or what is going there??
@Chris: Thanks! I don’t have an update on Ivy Market but I have been meaning to call the bank that owns the property. I need to get in touch with the South Peak developers, too.
Hey, Ivy Market would make a great location for a specialized Carilion facility or another Berglund lot. Since Fiats are small vehicles, they cold be displayed both inside and outside……………
WOOHOO!!! In your face Steak n’ Shake haters!!!
@Richard: a developer bought those properties and is building a Hampton Inn.
I am so angry now that I know the restaurant was suppose to open next month. Roanoke has needed a new fast food restaurant for a very long time now. I hope they stop dragging their feet and open our new Steak n’ Shake as soon as possible.
Richard. Bonefish has not been in Roanoke. It was Flatrock that was torn down. Would love to see a Bonefish grill in the area!!
Chris, maybe you’ve forgotten but Ivy Market already had a grocer.
@Shaun: It was originally planned to open of Dec. last year.
@Chris: Thanks for correcting Richard – it was Flat Rock Grille, not Bonefish, that was torn down along with Texas Steakhouse.
I’m ready for my Double ‘n Cheese, Thin ‘n Crispy Fries and hand dipped chocolate milkshake!
Roanoke just doesn’t have enough fast food restaurants. We need to get rid of some of the unique local places.
gdad, my thought exactly. I’m cracking up over all this hysteria over a chain burger joint. Yippee.
^^^^^Typical liberals^^^^^^
“I’m cracking up over all this hysteria”
You’ve never had their fries…
I don’t see either of these chains measuring up to Richee Freeze by way of food or friendly service. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll be going there for a burger tomorrow…yum!
SMDH
@Chris – My apologies. . . i shoulda eaten there more often. . .perhaps i would remember their name!!
Steak N’ Shake is not exactly “fast food”. It’s more of a sit down type restaurant – a step or two above a “fast food” joint.
I’ve eaten at several Steak N’ Shake locations in other states, and have enjoyed it every time. Looking forward to having one here.
I loved Flat Rock…they had this wasabi cream to put on tuna that was to die for. The interior was nice too I thought…sad it couldn’t make it here.
#19 What????
Some people have to make everything political. Now I’m liberal because I prefer a local place with a real live chef who makes different dishes that don’t all taste like the next dish? Well, by golly, if that makes me a liberal, than I’m a proud liberal!
#23 Other Rick, I also consider places like Applebees a type of fast-food joint. I like some of these places (I was glad to see Chipotle) and in fact when I’m on the road in an unfamiliar place, I look for them because I know where I can and can’t eat gluten free (except for possible cross contamination), which is a health necessity for me. You can imagine why I won’t get real excited about another burger joint/sandwich joint.
Dave’s not here.
Sorry, my last comment was meant for another blog. That’s what I get for having more than one open at a time.
I ate at a Steak n Shake in Missouri some years ago, and thought their food was quite good (certainly better than Red Robin, in my opinion). Now, having to eat gluten-free, it’s not nearly as exciting to have them coming…aside from the fatc that I live in the NRV anyway. But, I have frequently ordered bread-free burgers and brought my own bun…I do that at Five Guys…and if I ever eat at Red Robin again, I’m doing it too…even though they offer a gluten-free bun. Theirs is too dry and crumbly and detracts from the meal…and costs a dollar more. If I find myself in Roanoke on a planned trip, I may give Steak n Shake a trip.
@gdad: I was wondering what you were talking about!
Hi! Friends
i have read all the replies from you guys. I have a question for you .Have anyone know anything about the former kroger on 460 east (Orange ave).Are there any plans in the near future and what will it be .Please let me know .Thank’s all friends
We love some Steak N Shake!!!!
I am soooo excited about this!!! I had steak and shake for the first time in TX and I must say I fell in love instantly!!! Great investment for Roanoke!!!! Great food and good prices!!!!!!
i would love to see a joe’s crab shack come to roanoke.