Shake Shack, an iconic burger brand based in New York, is coming to Canada. The restaurant chain, with more than 440 locations worldwide, will open in Toronto in 2024.

Shake Shack will partner with Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc., two Toronto-based investment firms, to launch 35 stores by 2035.

“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 neighbours to the north,” Michael Kark, chief global licensing officer at Shake Shack, said in a statement.

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Shake Shack is the latest chain to target Canada as Chick-fil-A and Dave's Hot Chicken, Five Guys, Carl's Jr., Wahlburgers, and Blaze Pizza have all ventured north in recent years.

With the 35 stores expected to open in the next decade, the move represents a new franchise opportunity for Black entrepreneurs and others in Canada's food and beverage industry.

“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...,” Lawrence Zucker, CEO of Osmington Inc., said in a statement.

Visits to fast food restaurants up 9%: NPD

Companies that have moved to Canada have focused on chicken more than red meat, which could endear Canadians to the brand right away. According to stats from research firm NPD Group, 7.3 per cent of all restaurant orders in Canada in 2020 featured chicken sandwiches. That amounts to 386.4 million servings.

Moreover, fast food restaurant visits in Canada increased by nine per cent in 2022, narrowly falling short of the 11 per cent increase they experienced in 2021.

But burgers, the highlight of Shake Shack's menu, continue to be king. In 2020, they made up 9.6 per cent of all restaurant orders placed in Canada, or 739.3 million hamburger servings, according to the Canadian Press.

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The menu will feature signature items, including the ShackBurger, Chicken Shack, classic crinkle-cut fries, beer, wine, frozen custard, and more. The alcohol offering could give the chain an advantage over other fast-food companies that don't sell alcohol.

“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,” Michael Kimel, co-founder and chairman of Harlo Entertainment, said in a statement.