Cronut Craze Continues with Shake Shack's Limited Edition Cronut-Hole Concrete

Two culinary kings of New York collided today, as Shake Shack offered 1,000 "Cronut-hole concretes" for one day only.

The Shake Shack in Madison Square Park featured Cronut creator Dominique Ansel's all-new "Cronut holes" in their signature custardy dessert. Michelle Tropeano, an NYU student, has never had a Cronut before, but that didn't stop her from showing up at 4 a.m.  She and her friends were the first ones in line.

"We live [in New York City] and we like to be part of the community here," said Tropeano, "It's a rite of passage...just one of those things you got to do."

Joseph Lam and Stephanie Hilliard stood right behind Tropeano in line.  They've tried every flavor of the doughnut-croissant hybrid, and they wait in line at Dominique Ansel's Bakery in Soho at least once a month.  To them, it was just another day in the life of a Cronut fanatic.

"We're New Yorkers.  We're on-the-go all the time," Hilliard said, "So to have something that's fulfilling and delicious in the morning...it's a good way to start the day."

There is one shared philosophy between Cronut fans and first-timers alike.  The Cronut-hole concrete was worth the wait.

"It's so good!" Tropeano raved, after finally getting her hands on a cup filled with Shake Shack's buttery caramel frozen custard topped with a handful of Cronut holes, "It's sweet and smooth and silky...the Cronut is fantastic!  This is the best first experience ever."

Shake Shack CEO, Randy Garutti, was also there to welcome guests.  He said, even at 10 a.m., the new dessert was a no-brainer for New Yorkers.

"It's hard not to love ice cream for breakfast," said Garutti, "I don't think you can go wrong with that.  It's one of those pleasures in life - why not!  Have some fun.  Enjoy it!"

Ansel and Shake Shack are donating the concrete's proceeds to the NYPD's Widows and Children's Fund and the Madison Square Park Conservancy.