Shake Shack is set to open its doors on Monday at Chinook Centre in Calgary, and if previous American chain restaurant launches are any indicator, the new location is expected to draw significant crowds. The popular burger chain, originating in the United States, is making its Western Canadian debut in the southwest Calgary mall, not far from other recently opened American eateries like Chick-fil-A and Krispy Kreme on Macleod Trail S.W., which experienced long line-ups and required traffic controllers for weeks.
Local Collaborations and Menu Exclusives
Billy Richmond, business director of Shake Shack Canada, explained that Calgary was chosen over other major cities due to strong demand on social media. “We had a lot of requests from the folks out in Calgary to bring Shake Shack,” he said. “We look at the Calgary market and see a really vibrant food scene. Calgarians value quality experiences, so we wanted Calgary to have the first Shack in the West.”
The Calgary location emphasizes local sourcing. The beef comes from Beretta Farms in Lacombe, Alberta, and is hormone- and antibiotic-free. Exclusive menu items include the Oh My Honey Pie concrete, featuring salted honey pie from Calgary bakery Pie Junkie, and the Prairie Berry concrete with Alberta Saskatoon berries. The restaurant also offers a beer from Minhas Brewery and a passion fruit mojito from Burwood Distillery. Fries are Canadian-sourced as well.
Community Integration and Design
Richmond noted that each Shake Shack integrates into its community. “Wherever we open a new Shack, we really make a big effort in connecting with the local community,” he said. The Calgary location features a large mural by Calgary-based illustrator Irene Neyman, depicting landmarks like the Calgary Tower and Saddledome, and an interior illustrated map of the city.
Classic Shake Shack items, including the Shack burger, chicken sandwich, shroom burger, half iced tea/half lemonade, custards, milkshakes, and crinkle fries, are also available.
Anticipating Crowds
Richmond acknowledged that line-ups are expected and plans are in place with mall operators to manage crowds. “We’re focused on getting as many people into the Shack as we can,” he said. The location will employ 100 staff, ensuring sufficient manpower to keep lines moving efficiently on opening day.
