Shake Shack is strengthening its foothold in Canada with an ambitious growth plan that includes six new locations across the Greater Toronto Area over the next year. Following the success of its first three Toronto openings, the popular American burger brand is expanding into high-demand neighbourhoods and shopping destinations, creating over 400 jobs and promising a distinctly Canadian Shack experience.
“The energy we’ve seen from Canadian guests since day one has been incredible,” said Billy Richmond, Business Director of Shake Shack Canada, in an exclusive interview with Retail Insider. “This next chapter is about more than opening doors, it’s about showing up for the communities we serve. Our intention is to deliver high-quality dining experiences that stand the test of time, and this GTA expansion sets the stage for Shake Shack’s long-term success in Canada.”
Where Shake Shack is Opening Next
The first of the new locations has already debuted inside Kitchen Hub Castlefield at 1121 Castlefield Avenue in Toronto. The remaining five locations will roll out gradually, starting with Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga on August 19, 2025. Additional openings are scheduled at:
- Yonge & Eglinton (40 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto) – Opening Fall 2025
- Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr, Vaughan) – Opening Fall 2025
- King West (556 King St W, Toronto) – Opening Mid 2026
- Yonge & Bloor (765 Yonge St, Toronto) – Opening Mid 2026
Square One and Vaughan Mills represent Shake Shack’s first foray into some of Canada’s busiest shopping centres. Square One’s Shack will span about 2,400 square feet, complete with an interior patio to accommodate mall traffic. Vaughan Mills, on the other hand, will be the brand’s first compact food court location at approximately 860 square feet, demonstrating Shake Shack’s ability to adapt to diverse retail formats.
“The Square One site is a great opportunity to create that Shack community feel inside a major mall,” Richmond explained. “And Vaughan Mills, even though it’s a smaller footprint, is an end-cap in the food court, so we maintain strong visibility and guest accessibility.”
Canadian Menu Exclusives and Local Sourcing
Shake Shack has placed a strong emphasis on tailoring its offerings to Canadian tastes while maintaining its global standards of quality. All GTA locations feature 100 percent Canadian beef, chicken, and dairy, along with locally sourced potatoes for its signature crinkle-cut fries. The brand has also created Canadian-exclusive menu items that celebrate local flavours.
“Our guests love the I Heart Butter Tart and Shack Attack concretes, which incorporate local butter tarts, and chocolate from Chocosol,” Richmond noted. “We also have a Maple Salted Pretzel Shake that has become a Canadian favourite. And our beverage program includes beer from Bellwoods Brewery and wine from Rosewood Winery.”
This approach extends beyond the menu to Shake Shack’s community partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Canadian farmers and local businesses.
A Strong Community and Design Focus
Beyond food, Shake Shack is investing in design and community engagement to make each location unique.
Local artists will play a central role in defining the aesthetic of new GTA Shacks.
At Square One, the brand has partnered with Anishinaabe woodlands artist Blake Angeconeb, whose vibrant works blend Indigenous traditions with contemporary pop culture. Meanwhile, Kirsten McCrea, known for her bold, patterned murals, will bring her signature creativity to the Yonge & Eglinton location.
“Community is at our core,” Richmond emphasized. “Our partnerships with local artists are a way for us to reflect the spirit of the neighbourhoods we serve and make every Shack a destination.”
Prime Toronto Locations and Iconic Buildings
Two of Shake Shack’s upcoming openings, King West and Yonge & Bloor, highlight the brand’s strategy of securing unique, high-profile spaces in Toronto. The King West Shack, set to open in mid-2026, will occupy the former Majesty’s Pleasure location and feature two outdoor patios. “It’s going to be a fantastic space for gathering and socializing,” Richmond said.
The Yonge & Bloor Shack will take over a historic building once home to the Albert Britnell Bookstore. “We thought this was an iconic site,” Richmond added. “It’s a way for us to respect the history of the building while creating an incredible dining experience.”
Momentum and Long-Term Growth Plans
Shake Shack launched in Canada in June 2024 with its first location at Yonge & Dundas in Toronto. A second opened in December 2024 inside Union Station, featuring a full-service bar—the first ever for the brand worldwide. The third Canadian Shack followed in February 2025 at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
Early success has validated Shake Shack’s investment in the Canadian market. “The reception from guests has been phenomenal,” Richmond said. “It confirmed what we believed—that there’s a strong appetite for premium fast-casual dining here.”
Looking ahead, the company has committed to opening at least 35 Canadian locations over the next decade, with plans to expand beyond Ontario into markets like British Columbia and Alberta. “The GTA is just the beginning,” Richmond shared. “We’re excited to bring the Shack experience to more cities across Canada in the near future.”
Hospitality as a Growth Driver
While food and design are key pillars of Shake Shack’s brand, Richmond stressed that hospitality is equally critical to its success. “Guests appreciate quality, not just in the food but in the way they’re treated,” he said. “People aren’t just coming in for a quick meal, they’re looking for connection and consistency. That’s what Shake Shack is all about.”
From the way guests are greeted to the curated design elements and local collaborations, every touchpoint is designed to create a welcoming and memorable experience. “We’ve been listening to our Canadian guests, and their feedback has shaped everything we do,” Richmond concluded.
Shake Shack partnered with with Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc. for its Canadian entry. Osmington is a Toronto-based private investment company owned by David Thomson. Beauleigh Retail Consultants works with Shake Shack on real estate selection and lease negotiations.
Shake Shack – Vancouver!
Let’s do it!
London Ontario please
Its still American.
Don’t be lulled!