By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — Burger joint Shake Shack is moving up to the Upper East Side with one of the rarest finds in New York Real Estate — a backyard.
The restaurant, managed by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, will open a branch on 86th street between Lexington and Third Avenues before the end of the year.
"An open area really makes a difference when it gets warm enough to sit outside," said Tiffany Lutz, who works several blocks away from the planned eatery.
The upward rise of the burger chain that began as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park upset some neighbors. Homeowners argued a more upscale restaurant with a dining room should have gone into the space to prevent long lines on the sidewalk, according to published reports.
Lutz dismissed the concerns, noting the other businesses, including H&M, Barnes & Noble and Aldo, that line the street.
"This street is sort of where you shop anyway, I don't think it's going to be an issue" she said.
Shake Shack will also open four more locations in the Theater District, NoLiTa, Miami and Kuwait.
"Our confidence in our experienced leadership team and the winsome spirit and culture of Shake Shack assures us it is the right time to grow this business," Meyer said in a statement.
Maybe the laid back character of the company will win over markets with less burger competition but some neighbors were skeptical of the Shack's success.
"Even if they put a burger place, they won't make it," said Larry Dridgeforth, of the Upper East Side.
"Burger Heaven will kill them anyway, they can't compete," he said.
