Popular U.S. burger chain, Shake Shack, to open flagship Canadian location in Toronto
A prominent American fast-food chain is getting ready to expand north of the border and plans to open its flagship Canadian location in Toronto.
Burger chain Shake Shack has announced it will open its first permanent location in Canada in 2024.
“We have been eyeing this incredible opportunity in Canada for quite some time,” says Michael Kark, Chief Global Licensing Officer of Shake Shack. “Starting with the flagship location in Toronto in 2024. We can’t wait to be a part of the city’s bustling energy and innovative food scene.”
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The company plans to open 35 locations in Canada by 2035. The chain says the Canadian menu will feature the brand’s signature items, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, classic crinkle cut fries, beer, wine and frozen custard.
A pop-up Shake Shack on University Avenue in downtown Toronto in 2017 drew large crowds.
After testing a pop-up store six years ago (!!????!!), Shake Shack is now set to move into Canada, starting with a restaurant in Toronto next year, and growing to 35 stores by 2035 — no word yet on other locations. @CityNewsKIT @CityNewsTO Listen live via https://t.co/fBjyLPvkj0 https://t.co/NNkmwop4Bm
— Mark Douglas (@DouglasCityNews) March 22, 2023
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The New York-based fast food brand began as a hotdog cart in 2001 and has since expanded to more than 400 locations worldwide.
Shake Shack says it will partner with Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment to help with its expansion north.
“Shake Shack has long been a brand that we admire,” says Lawrence Zucker, CEO of Osmington. “Their emphasis on community building, enlightened hospitality and exceptional food quality aligns with our values and we are thrilled to be bringing them to Canada.”
Kark described Osmington and Harlo as “exceptional” partners for the company’s expansion.
Shake Shack’s long-awaited entrance into the Canadian market comes amid a wave of U.S. fast food brands expanding to Canada over the last decade.
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Five Guys, Carl’s Jr., Wahlburgers and Blaze Pizza all flocked to Canada before Chick-fil-A and Dave’s Hot Chicken headed north in recent years.
Canadian companies have coped with the onslaught of American counterparts by expanding their own fast-food offerings. Several added chicken sandwiches and all-day breakfast menus, while Tim Hortons partnered with pop superstar Justin Bieber to launch three new Timbit flavours.
With files from The Canadian Press
