• by Teresa Buyikian , August 16, 2023

Love avocados? Love Shake Shack? Your time has arrived -- the chain is hiring its first CAO.  No, not chief administrative officer. Sub out the word “avocado” in the middle!

The consumer contest – not a real hiring decision -- is part of marketing for the chain’s recent introduction of more menu items containing avocado, such as the Avocado Bacon Burger and Avocado Bacon Chicken Sandwich, which are both referred to as an “ode to avocado.”

The company statement on its website says of the perfect candidate, “[W]e’re looking for someone who is the best—and has the same passion and pride for avocados as we do…This winning avocado connoisseur will receive a unique experience to share ideas for new opportunities to ‘add avo,’ personally inspect and taste sliced avocados in-Shack to ensure they are served perfectly, and lead with avocado-enthusiasm.”

The "hiring" requirements include: “spend(ing) more time than you’d care to admit searching for the perfect avocado.” Entrants are also asked to submit a love letter to the avocado, in whatever format they choose (videos, photos, poems, songs, etc.).

And of course there are benefits, which include: a Chief Avocado Officer “uniform,” free Shake Shack items for a year, a $3,000 “avocado stipend,” bragging rights,  a meeting with a Shake Shack leader to learn about the chain’s avocado suppliers and selection process, as well as a private Avocado Bacon Menu tasting at a local Shack, including a roundtrip Uber ride share credit of up to $50.

The contest is promoted on Shake Shack’s social channels in addition to its website.

As this is a contest and not an actual “job,” winner requirements are listed on the chain’s website. Applications, which are due by Aug. 18, are also available on the website.

New York-based Shake Shack operates 250+ locations nationwide and features burgers, hot dogs and fries as well as shakes and frozen custard.