It’s a comprehensive comparison of New York’s/Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack and Philadelphia’s/Stephen Starr’s SquareBurger on Always Hungry NY.

AlwaysInvestigating: Burger Square-Off, Phily vs. New York [Always Hungry NY via The Illadelph]

Stephen Starr’s SquareBurger is taking center stage at Franklin Square today. The anticipated burger will sell for under $5 and will not be square but will be served on a Martin’s potato roll.

Also among the menu highlights are the Philly Dog, a kosher hot dog wrapped in salami and topped with pickle, onion, cherry peppers, plum tomatoes and mustard. Philadelphia’s Tastykakes serve as the inspiration for a couple of treats. The Cake Shake is made with a variety of Tastykakes and vanilla ice cream. The  butterscotch sundae features Butterscotch Krimpet and Heath Bar crumbles.

Hours are 11 to 8pm through Labor Day with shorter hours to Halloween.

First Bite of Starr’s SquareBurger, Opening Today [Grub Street]
Menu for Stephen Starr’s SquareBurger [Meal Ticket]

Restaurant M returns today at the Morris House on S 8th Street. The restaurant will use a small dining room in the Morris House Hotel and the wonderful outdoor space of the garden. The menu will feature simple plates from Pascual Cancelliere who is is also working to open his own place, 943 in the Italian Market.

The hours are a bit odd, Sundays through Thursdays as the garden is often used for weddings.

M is to open Monday [The Insider]

Michael Klein reports today that Stephen Starr’s Franklin Square burger stand will be opening Monday. SquareBurger will be the name. No word on whether the burgers will actually be square.

Foobooz commenter Sbr suggested the name back in April. We’re sure the check is in the mail!

That burger joint in Franklin Square [The Insider]

Rick’s Steaks is aiming for a June 9th soft opening in the Bellevue, the Whiz has already arrived.

In other Bellevue news, Dave Schultz and Bob Wilkie host a live Internet hockey radio show from the XIX bar at 1pm on every Tuesday.

Demetris is a handsome Mediterranean spot at 45th and Chestnut that is open for breakfast daily. [The Insider]

The permanent Stephen Starr burger stand is aiming to open on July 4th inside Franklin Square. There’s still no name. [Philly Chit Chat]

Stephen Starr’s and investor Allan Domb were spotted on a train to Washington. Could a Parc DC be far behind? [Philly Gossip]

Iron Hill Maple Shade is still on track for a July opening. If all goes well brewing could start around June 12th. [The Brew Lounge]

943 is an Italian-Argentine BYO in the Italian Market that’s several weeks out. [The Insider]

Merl’s which was had a nice review in City Paper back in April has closed. [Kitchenplay]

Stephen Starr is opening a food stand in Franklin Square. Oddly no name is mentioned in the press release. 

So what do you think? 

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Have a better name than these inspired ideas? Drop it in the comments.

Stephen Starr will be running a food stand in Franklin Square. Opening in mid-April, Starr will be serving up snacks and meals such as burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, drinks and ice cream. By summer a permanent facility will open in the park that will allow the menu to expand to include an array of specialty burgers, shakes, salads and Capogiro gelato. Diners will be able to eat at tables and chairs scattered throughout the park. 

This sounds very much like our very own version of the New York phenomenon, the Shake Shack.