New York-based burger sensation Shake Shack has finally made its highly anticipated Canadian debut with the grand opening of its flagship store in Toronto. Located at the bustling intersection of Yonge and Dundas, the restaurant officially opened its doors to eager customers at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 13th.
Fans of the brand began lining up as early as 6 a.m. to be among the first to experience Shake Shack’s iconic offerings in Canada. Abdulla, the first guest in line, expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m ready to dig in. I’m just looking forward to the taste.”
Shake Shack has been planning its Canadian expansion for over eight years, according to Michael Kark, president of global licensing. “We’re just pinching ourselves. We can’t believe how many people are already here waiting in line for Shake Shack. This has been a long time in the making,” Kark stated.
The menu at the Toronto location features approximately 90% of the classic items that have made Shake Shack a household name in the U.S. The remaining 10% consists of unique offerings crafted in collaboration with local purveyors, such as Brodflour Bakery and ChocoSol, to give the menu a distinctive Toronto flair. Canadian-specific sweets like the “Maple Salted Pretzel Shake” and “I Heart Butter Tart Concrete” have been introduced to celebrate the brand’s northern expansion.
The Toronto outpost occupies the former Adidas space on the corner of Yonge and Dundas, one of the city’s liveliest intersections. Despite the challenges of securing a prime location, Kark believes the energy and excitement of downtown Toronto echo the brand’s New York City roots. “With all the energy and the excitement that happens here at Yonge and Dundas… we feel right at home in such a busy spot,” he remarked.
As Shake Shack continues to grow its presence in Canada, the overwhelming response to the Toronto opening serves as a testament to the brand’s enduring popularity and the eagerness of Canadians to embrace its world-famous crinkle-cut fries, smash burgers, and unique local offerings.