Shake Shack Inc. has announced its expansion to Canada, with plans to open its first location in Toronto next year. The New York-based burger-and-fries chain will collaborate with two Toronto-based investment firms, Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc., for this venture. Shake Shack currently operates 290 locations across 32 states in the U.S. and has 150 international locations in cities such as London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. The company plans to open up to 35 locations in Canada by 2035.
David Thomson, chairman of Thomson Reuters, owns and controls Osmington Inc., which is a privately held commercial real estate investment fund. Osmington’s assets include the Winnipeg Jets and the retail concourse at Union Station in Toronto. Lawrence Zucker, Osmington CEO, expressed excitement about bringing Shake Shack to Canada, stating that their emphasis on community building, hospitality, and food quality aligns with their values.
Shake Shack’s expansion into Canada is a long-awaited move and comes as other U.S. fast food brands have entered the Canadian market over the past decade. Brands such as Five Guys, Carl’s Jr., and Blaze Pizza have already opened locations, with Chick-fil-A and Dave’s Hot Chicken being the most recent additions. Chicken has become a popular menu item, with some consumers opting for healthier options and reducing their red meat intake.