# Cash-Free Burger Chains The Shake Shack is Trialing a Cash-Free Location By Ell Smith | Published 2017-10-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cashfree-location References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/02/shake-shack-is-launching-a-cashless-burger-joint-in-nyc/) & [cetusnews](http://www.cetusnews.com/tech/Shake-Shack-is-launching-a-cashless-burger-joint-in NYC.S178zv0knb.html) Popular burger joint [Shake Shack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-5) is trialing a [cash-free location](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-castle-castle-of-tomorrow), in which consumers will order from a kiosk instead of a traditional register. The new location, which opens this October, will feature the innovative kiosks, which function using touchscreens and built-in text messaging systems to alert consumers when orders have been prepared. Although this convenience-focused ordering system will dominate the location, the Shake Shack will still feature human staff members, refereed to as 'Hospitality Champs' who will be receiving $15 hourly for guiding guests through the ordering process. The kiosks will function in harmony with the restaurant's existing app, which enables a streamlined ordering process. The cash-free Shake Shack location represents a dedication to consumer convenience, as well as the potential for the collaboration between human and technology-based customer service representatives. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Cash-free Locations:** The Shake Shack is trialing a cash-free location, which represents the trend of businesses transitioning to cashless transactions. - **Kiosk Ordering Systems:** Shake Shack's innovative kiosks with touchscreens and built-in text messaging systems represents the trend of businesses adopting self-service ordering systems. - **Human-technology Collaboration:** The collaboration between human staff members and kiosk ordering systems represents the trend of businesses leveraging technology while still providing personalized customer service. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food:** The cash-free Shake Shack location represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for fast food chains to streamline their ordering process and reduce cash handling overheads. - **Retail:** The trend of businesses transitioning to cashless transactions presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for retail stores to offer fast and secure payment options. - **Hospitality:** The collaboration between human staff members and kiosk ordering systems in the Shake Shack location presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the hospitality industry to enhance customer experiences through technology integration. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Virtual Restaurant Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-drivethru.md) - [Plant-Based QSR Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-5.md) - [Festive Free Burger Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-burger-blitz.md) - [Burger Launch Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smokeshack.md) - [Virtual QSR Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smashburger-1.md) - [Autonomous QSR Meal Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/serve-robotics.md) - [Korean Cuisine QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-kshack-menu.md) - [QSR Voting Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-showdown.md) - [Automated Functioning QSRs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-mcdonalds.md)