Steak n Shake seeks Guinness record for singing birthday song

Steak n Shake has come up with a unique way to mark the 80th year since its founding.

The Indianapolis-based chain will try to lure 20,000 customers into its 529 locations at 1 p.m. Saturday for the world’s largest-ever singing of “Happy Birthday to You.” Company officials will submit the sing-a-long to Guinness World Records.

To entice folks to their local restaurants, Steak n Shake will serve up a special Birthday Cake Milk Shake — half priced. Birthday hats will be handed out, free of charge.

Steak n Shake obtained the rights to use the copyrighted song, which is owned by Warner/Chappell Music, and won’t be public domain until 2035.

“The record attempt is a fun way to celebrate this milestone, and we couldn’t think of a better way to show appreciation for our customers than with a Birthday Cake Milk Shake,” Jim Flaniken, the company’s senior vice president of marketing, said in a prepared statement.

Call Star reporter Chris Sikich at (317) 444-6036. Follow him @ChrisSikich.