Shake Shack to start search for new CFO

Shake Shack’s finance chief is stepping down.

The fast-casual chain said that Tara Comonte, president and CFO for the last four years, is leaving Shake Shack to become CEO of a private company outside of the restaurant industry. Comonte, who joined Shake Shack in 2017, will remain in her current role through May 7, 2021.

The company is in the process of retaining a firm to manage the search for a new CFO. Comonte’s responsibilities will be transitioned to other existing members of the Shake Shack leadership team until the search is concluded. 

“I’m thrilled to see her [Comonte] take on a CEO role and our Shack team will be rooting for her every success,” said Randy Garutti, chief executive officer of Shake Shack. “She leaves the company with an incredibly strong team and foundation that is well-positioned for our accelerated growth ahead. We’re beginning to exit the pandemic, returning to a robust development schedule, leveraging our broad array of new formats and digital channels and continuing to build this beloved global brand.”

Shake Shack opened its first location in 2004, in New York City’s Madison Square Park. Since then, it has expanded to approximately 320 locations in 30 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 107 international locations including London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Philippines, Mexico, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.