shake shack

The first Shake Shack in Central New York may be coming soon.

We have seen a couple of New York State Thruway rest areas reopen but that may be all for a while. It looks as if the project to revamp and rebuild the twenty-seven Thruway rest areas is significantly delayed.

The latest in a series of all 27 worn New York State Thruway rest areas opened on Monday along the west-bound lane in Chittenango. The new sleek smaller version of the new rest stops includes Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Applegreen (a grab and go convenience section) and Ny Food and Drinks.

The New York State Thruway is in the process of overhauling all 27 of the rest areas. Although they are only working on a handful at a time, the renderings have been revealed. Not only will they be more of an open concept, but some will also have dog parks and all will have better food options. Look for Shake Shack, Panera, Starbucks, Panda Express, Chik-fil-A, Popeyes, Dunkin, Burger King, and a new fresh concept Applegreen convenience stores. Taste NY farm markets will be at each rest area along with play areas and picnic areas. There will be amenities for commercial truck drivers including more truck parking, showers, fitness centers, and laundry facilities.

If you do a little bit of research, the closest Shake Shack location is located in the Saratoga Race Track - but is temporarily closed. That won't be the case much longer, and you'll soon be able to drive closer to home.

When the travel plazas reopen, they will be the home of some newer food options for travelers, replacing what had been there for years previously.

Or Rome. Or anywhere close to us. Nope, you'll have to drive about two hours to find this chain that was named the 'best' in our state.