Shake Shack is expanding to the northwest metro area!

The burger and frozen custard franchise has announced plans to open its fourth Minnesota location at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. Less than an hour's drive from St. Cloud, the new 3,500 square feet, stand-alone location will be located between Red Lobster and Portillo's. The restaurant will include an outdoor patio but not a drive-thru.

Shake Shack's other three Minnesota locations are at the Mall of America, MSP International Airport and next to Southdale Center in Edina.

Biz Journal reports that Shake Shack got its start nearly 20 years ago as a hot dog cart in New York City. Several years later it grew into a permanent kiosk in Madison Square Park, and today the franchise has nearly 250 locations across the U.S. and abroad.

The Shake Shack addition is part of a wider revitalization plan for The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. Construction last summer opened a pedestrian-only plaza to vehicles, allowing shoppers to park closer to stores. Construction is also underway for a 7,500-8,000 square-foot co-working space set to open this summer.

Have you ever eaten at Shake Shack? Where's it fall on your list of favorite burger/custard places in Minnesota?