Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) is opening new stores again, but the COVID-19 pandemic might continue pressuring its results even after its peers return to growth. Executives from the fast-casual burger specialist spoke at an investor conference on Wednesday and delivered mixed news for shareholders. The company has resumed its development schedule, CEO Randy Garutti said, although at a slower pace than the initial 40-unit launch rate that management issued for 2020. That's good news because most of Shake Shack's growth potential relies on its ability to greatly expand on its current level of just under 300 locations. Image source: Getty Images. Garutti said it faces some unique challenges in returning to comparable-store sales growth following COVID-19 shutdowns. Many of its stores are in high foot traffic areas that are built to encourage large gatherings. Those places, including in spots like Midtown Manhattan in New York, are being avoided during the pandemic. As a result, "our [recovery] tail will be longer," he explained. Shake Shack is adding drive-through and walk-up ordering access to more of its stores to adjust to the new social distancing realities of the time. But its average location might not return to pre-COVID-19 volumes for some time. 10 stocks we like better than Shake ShackWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Shake Shack wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2020 Demitrios Kalogeropoulos has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Source