Following the opening of its first Calgary location at CF Chinook Centre, Shake Shack Canada is expanding its presence in Alberta with its first-ever drive-thru restaurant, expected to open in the Fall at 9253 Macleod Trail S.W. in Calgary.
Calgary was selected for Shake Shack’s inaugural drive-thru location in Canada, recognizing the demand for on-the-go dining in the city and the enthusiastic response the brand has received since opening at CF Chinook Centre, said the company, adding that expanding its footprint with a drive-thru was a natural next step.
After the opening of Macleod Trail, Shacks in Alberta are expected to generate approximately 200 jobs for the local community, it said.
“Calgary was the clear choice for our first drive-thru location in Canada,” said Billy Richmond, Business Director, Shake Shack Canada. “It’s a city where driving is a part of everyday life, and we wanted to create a Shack experience that offers guests greater convenience year-round. Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do, and the drive-thru gives us another way to deliver that experience beyond our restaurant walls.”
The new drive-thru location will deliver the same high-quality experience guests expect from Shake Shack by upholding the brand’s signature cooked-to-order standards. Guests can expect the same commitment to quality, craftsmanship and hospitality that defines the brand, including burgers made with 100% Alberta beef, said Richmond.
Formed in 2023, Shake Shack Canada is a partnership between Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc. — two Canadian-based private investment companies. Shake Shack Canada has seven locations across Ontario, one in Alberta, and plans to open at least 35 locations nationwide.
Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to over 695 locations system-wide, including over 450 in 35 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 245 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.
“The announcement that Shake Shack Canada will open its first drive-thru location in Canada in Calgary is significant news in quick-service dining circles. The choice of location in the 9200-block of Macleod Trail South reinforces this prime ‘zone’ as the bullseye-sweet spot for quick-service restaurants with drive-thru capability in the city,” said Michael Kehoe, Broker, Fairfield Commercial Real Estate.
“Shake Shack is a global brand with over 695 locations and joins other dominant restaurant brands who are in very close proximity on Macleod Trail South such as Chick-fil-A, Jollibee and Krispy Kreme Canada. These restaurants enjoy impressive sales levels and no doubt Shake Shack will lead the way.
“The Macleod Trail drive thru location is a natural move for the brand following the successful opening of its first Calgary location at CF Chinook Centre.
“What makes this as the prime ‘zone’ on Macleod Trail South so attractive for quick-service restaurants? The restaurants enjoy the synergistic traffic benefits provided by the choice of dining options that is a major draw for consumers. The restaurants can achieve a strong streetside profile, high vehicle traffic counts, ease of roadway access and approval of drive-thru’s that are often difficult to secure. The fact that this location will be Shack’s its first-ever drive-thru restaurant in Canada, is a huge vote of confidence in the Calgary market recognizing the demand for on-the-go dining in the this ‘car-centric’ city.”
More from Retail Insider:
Experienced Pastry Assistant responsible for managing all pastry ingredients and preparation tasks. Able to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced team environment and maintain high quality standards during busy service periods.