Steak 'n Shake has closed its restaurant at 6575 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The freestanding restaurant had been in business over twenty-five years reportedly having opened in the early 1990s. The 24-hour restaurant was located just south of Abernathy Road alongside a Zaxby's that opened in 2015, and adjacent to an upcoming Lennar townhome development. Steak 'n Shake was first established in Normal, IL in 1934 is known for their burgers and milkshakes.
In metro Atlanta, Steak 'n Shake and other quick-serve burger operators have seen increased competition from newcomers such as Freddy's, Culver's and Cook Out. In Sandy Springs, however, none of the aforementioned new burger options have opened anywhere near the Steak n' Shake and furthermore, a nearby Wendy's closed in 2017. The Wendy's was replaced not by a new competing food offering, but by a relocated SunTrust bank branch.
Sandy Springs did recently gain another Waffle House, but its options for late night/24-hour dining are still quite limited.
Sources close to the Indianapolis, Indiana-based restaurant tell ToNeTo Atlanta that it closed due to a "lease issue," and that it did not own its property. Fulton County tax records indicate that the 3,710 square foot restaurant was built in 1975 and sits on eight tenths of an acre. Additionally, Fulton County records indicate that the property is currently owned by Richard & Joann Raymer of Rowlett, Texas and that the property (land + building) is valued at just over $1.2 million.
Given the rising land values in the area and the size of the parcel, it's entirely possible the property will be redeveloped for another use, rather than a new restaurant.
The new Lennar community under construction beside the former restaurant, for instance, was a previously abandoned Arby's.
For it's part, Steak 'n Shake reportedly plans to reopen in "in the area in the future."
In the meantime, for those looking to feed their Steak 'n Shake craving, the chain continues to operate locations on North Druid Hills and LaVista Roads at Toco Hills, Cobb Parkway near SunTrust Park, Northside Parkway near OK Cafe, and on North Point Court near North Point Mall, among others.
Are you surprised by the closure of Steak 'n Shake in Sandy Springs? What would you like to see open in place of Steak 'n Shake in Sandy Springs? What is your favorite casual burger eatery in metro Atlanta?
Please share your thoughts below.