NYC-based burger chain Shake Shack has announced plans to open a flagship location in Toronto in 2024, with an additional 35 locations to open across Canada by 2035. It’s a highly anticipated entry into the Canadian market that has been in the works for years.
“We have been eyeing this incredible opportunity in Canada for quite some time and are elated to have found exceptional partners to serve Shack classics and bespoke Canada-exclusive items to our sophisticated neighbors to the north,” says Michael Kark, Chief Global Licensing Officer of Shake Shack.
“Together with Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment, we plan to open 35 Shacks in Canada by 2035 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.”
“Shake Shack has long been a brand that we admire. 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,” says Lawrence Zucker, CEO of Osmington.
“Our experience in creating leading culinary destinations, scaling concepts and driving memorable guest experiences has allowed us to build successful hospitality venues across North America. We are extremely proud to be partnering with Shake Shack and excited to bring their brand to Canadians,” says Michael Kimel, Co-Founder and Chairman of Harlo Entertainment.
Shake Shack will be working with Beauleigh Retail Consultants for its Canadian expansion.
“Beauleigh is proud to be collaborating once again with Osmington, this time in their exciting new business venture and partnership with Harlo Entertainment in bringing Shake Shack to Canada,” shared the company in a statement.
“Beauleigh is the real estate brokerage representing Shake Shack in Canada. The plan is to open approximately 35 locations, starting with a flagship location in Toronto in 2024. We are in active discussions with landlords and excited to work together to bring this exceptional hospitality group to the Canadian market. For real estate questions or opportunities, please reach out to Jean-Francois Nault at jf@beauleigh.com and Taylor Borg at taylor@beauleigh.com.”
Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 440 locations systemwide, including over 290 in 32 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 150 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.
Shake Shack Canada has an official Linkedin page with career opportunities and updates.
This is a breaking story and Retail Insider will be updating our readers as information becomes available.
Where will the flagship store be?
Any plans to open in Yorkville
We haven’t been formally notified of where the first location will be, though we think we know. Yorkville (I live there as well) is not yet part of any plans as we know (but we’re getting another great concept, stay tuned for an announcement).