Steak ‘n Shake’s newest restaurant design — a nostalgic blend of 1950s and ’60s Americana paired with cutting‑edge technology — is making its national debut in the Des Moines metro. Ryan Winter, franchise owner, opens his second Steak ‘n Shake on Jan. 21, at 1045 S.E. Alice’s Road in Waukee, marking the first location in the country to showcase the brand’s next‑generation prototype.
“The Waukee location is a brand new prototype for Steak ‘n Shake and will be the first one built in the United States,” said Winter, who also owns the original area location at 815 S. 51st St. in West Des Moines. That restaurant opened in 2021 to long lines of drive‑thru customers spilling onto Mills Civic Parkway.
Winter said he first brought Steak ‘n Shake to central Iowa because of the brand’s iconic menu and value. “I was motivated to bring a Steak ‘n Shake to the region because of their great steakburgers, homemade milkshakes and reasonable prices. I knew Steak ‘n Shake would do well in this market,” he said in a news release.
A new retro design rooted in heritage
The 2,750‑square‑foot Waukee restaurant is the first in the company to fully introduce Steak ‘n Shake’s redesigned, nostalgia‑driven prototype. The exterior features:
The interior continues the retro theme with a modern twist. Customers are greeted by the brand‑new “store within a store” shake bar, outfitted with old‑fashioned mixer memorabilia and a full soda‑fountain‑style back bar. Steak ‘n Shake’s premium homemade milkshakes — still served in frosted glasses and topped with homemade whipped cream — remain a centerpiece.
Inside, diners will find a bright mix of booths, tables, chairs, high‑top seating, and even classic spinning stools for a touch of childhood nostalgia. Heritage details include pendant lighting, vintage Steak ‘n Shake newsletters, early store photos at every booth, and a glowing Route 66 neon sign, nodding to the brand’s founding in 1934 in Normal, Illinois.
Modern tech meets classic comfort
While the design leans retro, the operations are decidedly modern. The Waukee location features touchscreen self-order kiosks, similar to those in the West Des Moines store, and the restaurant accepts credit, debit, cash, and even Bitcoin. Customers will also be welcomed by a dedicated hospitality host to assist with the dining experience.
Steak ‘n Shake remains known for its signature steakburgers — made from a blend of sirloin, T‑bone and round steak, smashed thin and cooked fresh — and its lineup of hand‑dipped shakes in flavors like Oreos, M&Ms, Nutella, Butterfinger and more. The famous shoestring fries cooked in beef tallow are also a staple.
Winter opened his first Steak ‘n Shake five years ago. A Johnston resident, he is married with three children and grew up in Sioux City. He majored in accounting, finance and Spanish at Morningside College. The new Waukee location will employ 40 full‑ and part‑time team members, expanding the brand’s local footprint.
Grand opening and rewards program
Customers can sign up on-site for the Steak ‘n Shake Rewards Program, which allows them to earn points, redeem rewards and order ahead. Details are available at: steaknshake.com/rewards.
The first customer at the new store will receive free Steak ‘n Shake for a year. The first 50 people will receive a coupon for a free double burger and fries.
Where to find Steak ‘n Shake
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Steak ‘n Shake’s first new prototype store in the U.S. opens in Waukee
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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