Located in Mako Hall, the Shark Cage is a wonderful spot where NSU’s entrepreneurs get their start. Many businesses are run out of this area, but one that draws crowds every weekend is The Shake Place, a milkshake parlor run by an NSU student.
Eva Ducanis is a junior at NSU, an accounting major and part of the Razor’s Edge Shark Cage business program. She’s been running The Shake Place since the beginning of this school year, and takes pride in creating a place on campus where students can relax with friends while enjoying a sweet treat.
“The goal of The Shake Place is to provide an environment for students to hang out and enjoy just talking to each other and building connections while also enjoying a milkshake. We have a large menu and it’s fun to serve students and have them hang out there,” said Ducanis.
The Shake Place has many options to choose from and includes the classics, such as vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. The menu also features special milkshakes, which are cookies n’ cream, birthday cake, cinnamon toast crunch and salted caramel pretzel.
“I love the salted caramel pretzel milkshake, but what people often don’t know is you can add flavors together. My favorite off the menu item is birthday cake oreo, which is a really good combination that not a lot of people know about,” explained Ducanis.
The delicious milkshakes are a great way to draw in students from all over campus, no matter what grade or major. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, many students have found The Shake Place to be a great spot to meet up with friends after a long week.
“The most rewarding part about running The Shake Place is that, when students come in, especially freshmen, they sit and play games. When they sit in the booths and have conversations, you just hear them laughing and the music is playing. You just have this really welcoming and calm atmosphere. It’s great because with COVID-19 right now, a lot of clubs and organizations aren’t operating and are doing Zoom sessions, so there’s not a lot of ways to be in person and engaged with your friends. That’s really one of my biggest goals for what I want The Shake Place to be: another place where you can make connections.” said Ducanis.
The Shake Place was previously known as The Sweet Spot, run by a graduated Razor’s Edge student. Ducanis explained that while you may feel pressured to create something completely new in the business world, it’s okay to expand on things that already exist.
“Honestly, I’ve learned that entrepreneurs need to have the humility to say, ‘Is there something I can take on and improve upon and make it better?’ It doesn’t have to be a brand new invention or a brand new market. Do something that has been done before and make it better. You can be successful that way. At the same time, though, don’t let it limit your creativity and drive,” explained Ducanis.
The Shake Place is open on Mondays from 7-10 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 p.m.-12 a.m., making it the perfect place for students to enjoy a late night treat. Ducanis urges students and staff to keep an eye on their social media for announcements regarding new flavors, such as mint oreo and cookie dough as well as other promotions.
