New Shake Shack, In-N-Out to bring burger competition to Webster

Webster is scheduled to be home to two restaurants from chains known nationally for their burgers. 

Shake Shack is scheduled to open at the planned Shops at Baybrook at the southeast corner of Interstate 45 and Bay Area Boulevard, according to the Webster Economic Development Corp.

Shops at Baybrook is slated to open by the fourth quarter with a lineup that will include Kura Sushi, Velvet Taco, The Crack Shack and Wild Fork.

Meanwhile, California-based In-N-Out Burger is slated to begin construction this year at 122 El Dorado Blvd. near H-E-B and the interstate, according to Click2Houston.

The Webster Shake Shack will be the chain’s sixth Houston-area location and adds another popular brand in foodie culture to Baybrook. 

Starting out as an unfussy Manhattan hot dog stand in 2004, Shake Shake quickly became a trendy hot spot for those who appreciate diner-style favorites like burgers and fries, shakes, floats, frozen custards and hot dogs taken to another level. 

Shake Shack’s offerings include the classic burger or hot dog as well as Kentucky Bourbon-infused burgers, white truffle burgers and a Hot Ones menu that spices up several favorites such as fries. Another popular item is the black-and-white shake, which is a fusion of vanilla custard and fudge sauce.

Mike Abbate, In-N-Out Burger assistant vice president of real estate and development, told Click2Houston that the California-based chain is in the first stages of construction, which usually takes up to nine months. 

Like Shake Shack, In-N-Out started out simple — as a Los Angeles drive-thru burger joint in 1948 — and developed its brand by putting a spin on  burgers, fries and shakes, like its Animal Style double cheeseburger. The restaurant also became a popular destination for celebrities. 

The Webster location will be the chain’s fifth in the Houston area. 

yorozco@houstonchronicle.com