SPC Strengthens 'Delivery', Robust Growth of Core Dining Brands

Shake Shack Sales Up 20% Year-on-Year
Eggslut Delivery Popular for Office Lunches

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] Major dining brands under SPC Group, such as Shake Shack and Eggslut, are showing solid sales growth through untact (contactless) services despite the dining market downturn caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Shake Shack and Eggslut are fine-casual brands representing the East and West coasts of the United States, and former Vice President Heo Hee-soo made special efforts to introduce them to Korea.

According to SPC Paris Croissant on the 5th, Shake Shack's recent sales have grown by about 20% compared to the previous year. As COVID-19 spread in earnest, they strengthened delivery services to offset the impact on in-store dining. Shake Shack expanded its delivery service, which was previously piloted only at some stores such as the Gangnam and Cheongdam locations, to all 11 stores except the airport branch.

SPC explained, "Through launching various untact-related services such as delivery and pickup services, we are meeting the needs of consumers in the Seoul area who want delivery and pickup from Shake Shack stores."

Along with strengthening untact services, they also focused on disinfecting consumers entering the stores. They installed a 'contactless facial recognition fever checker' that automatically checks body temperature and mask-wearing status, and transparent partitions were installed on shared tables so customers can use the stores with greater peace of mind amid COVID-19. Additionally, the smart hand washing system ‘SMIXIN’ was installed inside the stores, which automatically sprays soap when hands are placed under it, followed by clean water, and finally a paper towel, allowing customers to wash their hands conveniently and maintain hygiene safety.

Thanks to Shake Shack’s continuous sales growth, they are also achieving the milestone of opening their 14th store (Daejeon Galleria Timeworld branch) later this month. The Daejeon Shake Shack store is the third non-metropolitan store following the Busan Seomyeon and Daegu Dongseong-ro locations.

Eggslut, the famous sandwich brand from California, USA, which launched last July, has also been experiencing monthly sales growth since its opening. An SPC official said, "Especially since launching the delivery service in September, sales during lunchtime have been the highest," adding, "Sales are similar to those during the existing peak hours." It is analyzed to be particularly popular among office workers near the COEX branch.

Recently, supported by consumers who experienced 'office worker walking lunch' and 'home parties' through Eggslut delivery, they introduced a large-capacity package called the ‘Great Pack’ for group orders. An SPC Group official stated, “We will lead the fine-casual market in the dining industry based on Shake Shack and Eggslut.”