We’ll have two vanilla Shakespeares, to go.
Shake Shack owner Danny Meyer’s company Union Square Events will serve up food and liquor at the cafe in Fort Greene’s Theatre for a New Audience, which just opened a few weeks ago with a critically acclaimed production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The restaurateur known for his beef patties and rich refreshments also has theater-serving chops and keeps his drunks in hand, it turns out.
“[Union Square Events] were chosen because of their excellent record of service and quality — they also operate Public Fare for Shakespeare in the Park — and also for their commitment to responsible alcohol service,” said Dorothy Ryan, a manager of the stunning Ashland Place theater.
The cafe cannot open till the end of November because its strikingly narrow lobby was not designed for a concession and will have to be renovated to accommodate one, according to Union Square Events spokeswoman Jee Park. The $68-million playhouse officially opened in late October after two years of construction.
The menu has not been finalized, but will include soups, salads, pastries, and a full bar, Park said.
Unlike other theater snack stands, the cafe will only run before show-times and during intermissions — not all day and not when there is no performance.
And, fortunately for people who are hungry for bar food but not Bard prose, patrons will not need a ticket to eat — they just have to work out the timing right.
Meyer’s gourmet burger chain is known for its $5 shakes, chunky custards, and high end ingredients.
Community Board 2 recently approved the theater’s liquor license application.
