Mac Shack is coming to Athens

Editor’s Note: This story was previously featured in The New Political’s 2022 summer magazine The More Y{ou} Know.

If you love macaroni and cheese and soul food, then you are in for a treat. University of Cincinnati’s favorite late night restaurant is joining the rest of the beloved midnight snack spots on Court Street this October.

Mac Shack of Keystone has become a staple cuisine for many college students since 2016, when it first opened its doors in Cincinnati. The Mac Shack is owned by Four Entertainment Group (4EG), which owns other popular franchises throughout Ohio. 4EG hopes to add a successful franchise in Athens by serving up soul food and an array of signature macaroni and cheese dishes until 3 a.m. on the weekends.

“We’ve had tremendous success with Keystone’s Mac Shack near the University of Cincinnati’s campus, which has become a beloved destination for students, professionals and visitors. We strive to replicate that success in Athens. We’re excited to bring our comfort food to southeast Ohio this summer,” Dan Chroncion, 4EG managing partner, said about the opening of the new location. Chronicon will be managing the new location, along with Executive Chef Ray.

The Athens location hopes to open its doors at the beginning of the school year and is currently looking to employ Athens residents before the grand opening. “It is important to me that we have a great brand and a great team,” Chronicon said.

Keystone’s Mac Shack will be located in between Jimmy Johns and the Athena Cinema on Court Street. 

4EG is hoping the Athens and Cincinnati locations will be a launching pad for future franchises in college towns around the midwest in the distant future