First Shake Shack in Maine Likely Part of Turnpike Service Plaza Update

Change is inevitable and seems to be coming fast for the Maine Turnpike service plazas.

Last July, rumors began to circulate that the Maine Turnpike was in negotiations with Applegreen, a global operator of service plazas, centered around updating the turnpike service plazas.

That update would include adding restrooms and play areas as well as convenience stores and new restaurants.

Of those rumored new restaurants, two stood out above the rest. Chick-fil-A as well as Shake Shack.

Fast forward seven months and there seems to be more clarity on what is coming to the Maine Turnpike service plazas and what isn't.

Shake Shack is Coming to At Least One Maine Turnpike Service Plaza

Shared by Maine Calling on Facebook, an interview with the Maine Turnpike Authority Director Andre Briere revealed a few details about his vision and the future of the service plazas along the highway.

Briere all but confirmed that there will be at least one Shake Shack location coming to Maine in the not-too-distant future. There was no confirmation on whether that would be the West Gardiner or Kennebunk plazas. It could be both.

Briere also confirmed that part of the service plaza refresh will include food truck pads where local food trucks will have a chance to feed the traveling masses.

Chick-fil-A Unlikely to Be Part of Maine Turnpike Service Plazas

Amongst the highlights of the Maine Calling interview with Andre Briere, it was notable that Briere avoided mentioning Chick-fil-A as part of the service plaza update.

Turnpike service plazas currently feature Sbarro, Popeye's, Dunkin, and longtime chain Burger King.

When Applegreen begins their refresh, each service plaza could look much different. Beyond Shake Shack, Applegreen has contracts with places like Panera, Subway, Panda Express and Starbucks.

Applegreen also has contracts with Dunkin', Popeye's and Burger King, so it is unlikely wholesale changes will be made at the service plazas.

Updates are expected to be completed by early-2027.