Burger City, a beloved East Meadow eatery, is getting a new neighbor, and while some customers say they’re not thrilled, the owner says he is embracing the change.

Work crews have taken over part of the lot next to Burger City, where a new Shake Shack drive-thru is expected to open. No opening date has been posted, but the construction has already sparked reactions online.

Loyal Burger City customers have flooded social media with support, declaring “Burger City forever” and questioning the move.

Burger City owner Jim Roggio says he’s staying focused on what his business does best: serving fresh burgers to the customers who’ve sustained his business for years.

“As a small business, having the towns of East Meadow, Uniondale, Roosevelt, Westbury, Levittown, Farmingdale, I mean, these are all towns that come in and support us. I know they eat here! I see them, I speak to them,” Roggio said.

Burger City has been voted Best Burger on Long Island for the past three years, a title the team hopes to keep in 2026.

“We sell fresh burgers. They come in fresh every day. We have fresh buns. We have an incredible staff of people,” Roggio said.

Shake Shack, meanwhile, says it’s excited to join the area and intends to be a positive addition to the community.

“At Shake Shack, we’re always excited to join new communities and serve guests delicious food made with premium ingredients. We’re committed to being good neighbors and supporting the communities we’re part of, including the many incredible local businesses that make Long Island special. We look forward to bringing new jobs to the area and welcoming guests when we open our doors,” a Shake Shack spokesperson said.

Sources confirm the East Meadow location will feature a drive-thru.