Eddie Rockets and Shake Dog are two popular fast food chains in Ireland that serve burgers, fries, and milkshakes. At first glance, they may seem quite similar – both offer classic American diner-style food in a fun, retro setting. However, there are some key differences between the two chains that set them apart. In this article, we’ll take a close look at Eddie Rockets and Shake Dog’s menus, store designs, origins, and reputations to determine if they are actually the same or just competitors in the burger market.
Menus and Food
The most obvious difference between Eddie Rockets and Shake Dog is their menus. While both serve burgers, fries, and shakes, Eddie Rockets has a wider selection of classic diner fare like hot dogs, sandwiches, and breakfast items. Shake Dog’s menu is more focused on burgers, with options like chili cheeseburgers and patty melts. Eddie Rockets also emphasizes milkshakes, with over 20 flavors available. Shake Dog has a smaller shake menu, prioritizing their signature thick-cut fries. In terms of quality, Eddie Rockets burgers are generally better reviewed, while Shake Dog is known for fries.
Eddie Rockets Menu Highlights
- Burgers – Classic burger, bacon cheeseburger, chili burger, BBQ burger
- Fries – Regular, sweet potato
- Milkshakes – Over 20 flavors like chocolate, strawberry, cookies & cream
- Hot Dogs/Sandwiches – Chili dog, club sandwich, patty melt
- Breakfast – Pancakes, french toast, egg sandwiches
Shake Dog Menu Highlights
- Burgers – Hamburger, bacon cheeseburger, patty melt, chili cheeseburger
- Fries – Regular cut, thick cut, chili cheese fries
- Milkshakes – Chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, cookies & cream
- Chicken – Chicken sandwich, nuggets, tenders
- Sides – Onion rings, mozzarella sticks
Store Design and Atmosphere
Both Eddie Rockets and Shake Dog aim for a classic 1950s American diner aesthetic in their store designs. However, Eddie Rockets executes this in a more ostentatious, fun-filled way. Stores feature checkered tile floors, neon lights, jukeboxes, and American cultural icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. The look is retro but also lively and family-friendly. Shake Dog stores have some retro touches like vinyl booths and neon signs, but overall have a more muted, casual vibe. The focus is more on quick service than transporting you back in time.
Origins
Eddie Rockets and Shake Dog have very different origin stories despite their surface similarities. Eddie Rockets was founded in Dublin in 1989 by Niall Fortune and Ciaran Butler. It was Ireland’s first American-style diner and quickly became popular for its burgers, fries and shakes. The chain also brought unique touches like tabletop jukeboxes to each location. Now Eddie Rockets has expanded across Ireland and the UK. Shake Dog was founded much later in 2004 by entrepreneur Dylan Worth. It differentiates itself from chains like Eddie Rockets with a simpler menu and more focus on delivery and takeaway. While not as ubiquitous as Eddie Rockets, Shake Dog has found success targeting university students and busy professionals.
Reputation
In terms of reputation amongst customers, Eddie Rockets tends to be more beloved and have a stronger identity. As Ireland’s original American diner chain, Eddie Rockets maintains a sense of nostalgia and fun. People appreciate the wide menu, milkshake flavors and lively atmosphere. Shake Dog does have its devoted fans, especially for its fries, but is seen more as a convenient quick-service option rather than a go-to favorite. Eddie Rockets also edges out Shake Dog when it comes to brand loyalty and recognition.
Prices
| Menu Item | Eddie Rockets Price | Shake Dog Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburger | €5.50 | €4.99 |
| Cheeseburger | €6.00 | €5.49 |
| Fries | €2.50 | €2.99 |
| Milkshake | €4.25 | €3.99 |
When it comes to prices, Eddie Rockets and Shake Dog are quite comparable for basic menu items like burgers, fries and shakes. Eddie Rockets is slightly more expensive, likely due to higher overhead costs associated with its more elaborate store designs and larger menu. But the price differences are small, usually around 50 cents per item.
Conclusion
So are Eddie Rockets and Shake Dog the same? While the two chains do have similar core menus and aesthetic styles, upon closer examination there are some notable distinctions. Key differences include Eddie Rockets’ wider menu variety, more premium burger reputation, retro/lively store atmosphere, and status as Ireland’s original American diner. Shake Dog stands apart with its focus on fries, delivery options, and simpler quick-service model. While they occupy a similar niche, Eddie Rockets and Shake Dog ultimately appeal to different tastes and dining situations for burger lovers. With its more well-rounded menu and strong sense of nostalgic fun, Eddie Rockets does seem to come out on top for most Irish customers. So while the two chains share some surface similarities, their origins, menus, reputations and overall identities remain quite distinct.