TWO fresh beef patties, crispy American streaky bacon, melted chilli cheese, jalapeño, lettuce, onion and tomato topped with onion rings – Shakey J’s knows how to make a good burger.
Chris Jackson, owner of the Newton-le-Willows venue, clearly has the recipe for success as he has just topped the table when it comes to burgers and he can say he serves the best in the area for the second year in a row.
Chris and Claire opened Shakey J's in 2016
In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 18 awards.
- Best for Hair - At Gems
- Best for Pies – Burchall’s
- Best for Nails - Nails by Mandy
- Best for Roast Dinner - The Moss Bank
- Best for Cocktails - Cinema Bar
- Best for Breakfast - Shakey J’s
- Best for Fish and Chips - The Nelson Chippery
- Best Beer Garden - Turks Head
- Best for Fitness – Ashley James Ward at Award Health and Fitness
- Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio
- Best Independent Shop or Business – Gavin’s Butchers
- Best for Dessert – The Brownie Shack
- Best for Kids – Jo Jingles Warrington, Wigan and St Helens
- Best for Pets – Leanne’s Doggy B&B
- Best for Beauty – Harriet Harmon Studios
- Best for Pizza – Dial-A-Pizza
- Best for Afternoon Tea – Nirvana Coffee Shop
Voting for St Helens’ Best Gym is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Curry.
Vote for St Helens’ Best Gym 2024
Nominate your favourite for St Helens’ Best for Curry 2024
Ten delicious looking burgers made St Helens’ shortlist in the latest Best of 2024 category and Shakey J’s has taken this year’s coveted crown making it a double victory in the awards - Shakey J's is also Best for Breakfast - for the second year in a row.
Chris Jackson and his partner Claire Maguire opened Shakey J’s as a milkshake bar in 2016 in Newton-le-Willows.
Shakey J's is on High Street in Newton-le-Willows
Two years ago, the couple made the decision to move a few doors down High Street to bigger premises and expand the business.
Chris, who is born and bred in Newton-le-Willows, said: “We are a family friendly, family-run American style diner serving fresh local and homemade produce cooked to order.
“We have free arcade games and other board games and toys to keep little ones – and older ones – entertained.
“We opened the business after struggling to dine out with our own family.
“Our children range from four to 22 so finding a restaurant that they would all enjoy was a challenge.
“With this in mind Shakey J’s was born – somewhere you could take your kids but your gran would enjoy too.”
Chris added: “At Shakey J's, we pride ourselves on not just serving food but creating an experience.
“What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality ingredients plus our friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes customers feel like part of the family from the moment they walk in.”
Customers keep going back to Shakey J's because they know they’re getting something special.
From the fresh quality of the ingredients to the friendly and welcoming staff, they offer a warm, inviting environment where everyone feels at home and their customer service is second to none.
Shakey J’s is committed to supporting local suppliers, grass roots teams and local schools and this resonates with their like-minded customers.
The award-winning burgers are made fresh each day specifically for Shakey J’s by Colin their local butcher.
Colin and Chris have worked closely together to create a super tasty juicy burger that is only available at Shakey J’s.
The top tasting burger
Chris said: “Our best-selling burger last month was the Texas burger inspired by one of our regulars lovingly known by the team as Texas Gary.
“It’s two fresh beef patties, crispy American streaky bacon, melted chilli cheese, jalapeño, lettuce, onion and tomato topped with onion rings.
“We are really excited to have a new menu launching very soon with lots of new ideas and taste sensations on the burger menu.”
The best thing about Chris’ job is seeing the smiles on his customers’ faces when they take that first bite of their food and he loves it when someone compliments the food as it’s such a boost for the team.
When Chris and the team heard they’d made the shortlist again for St Helens Star's Best for Burgers 2024 he was thrilled and honoured to be recognised with so many talented peers in the industry.
The hard-working team at Shakey J's
Chris said: “Winning against such strong competition was an amazing feeling - part joy and part disbelief, but complete gratitude.
“It was a moment of pride not just for Claire and myself but for the entire Shakey J's team.
“We all work so hard and to be recognised like this again is a true testament to our team’s commitment.
“Massive thanks to all our amazing customers - your support, loyalty and love for what we do are what makes Shakey J's so special.
“We wouldn’t be here without you, so thank you for believing in us, voting for us and allowing us to continue doing what we love.”
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