MORGANTOWN — A popular restaurant chain is making its way to Morgantown.
The Dominion Post confirmed that Steak ‘n Shake will be opening a franchise along Monongahela Boulevard, across the road from Texas Roadhouse in Star City.
According to a representative of HEERA, LLC, the local franchisee for Steak ‘n Shake, the restaurant is scheduled to open in March 2019.
“However, the opening schedule could vary depending upon the permit approval from WVDOH and Star City,” the representative told The Dominion Post in an email exchange.
Steak ‘n Shake was founded in February 1934 in Illinois by Marine veteran Gus Belt.
The chain is famous for its steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes, in addition to its hybrid fast-food to-go service and diner-style sit-down service.
The Morgantown location will be open 24 hours and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant will have about 80 seats inside, along with a drive-through window.
Also, WVU students will receive discounts at Steak ‘n Shake by using student IDs.
The first Steak ‘n Shake restaurant in West Virginia opened in Barboursville in August 2007.
The Morgantown location will be the third to open in the state.
The HEERA, LLC representative indicated that student population and recent economic and overall population growth played a role in the decision to open a Steak ‘n Shake in Morgantown.
“We anticipate the growth trends to continue in the foreseeable future,” he said. “We also anticipate the student and general population to grow in Morgantown in the future much more than the rest of the state.”
Eldon Callen, vice president of Governmental Affairs and Community/Economic Development for the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce, called the addition of the Steak ‘n Shake chain “a Star City success story.”
“This area along the boulevard was the home of two drive-in restaurants during the ’50s into the ’70s, but has sat dormant since then,” Callen said. “We are proud to see this area restored to an economic center of activity.”
