Shake Shack will redefine shopping centre dining with its 4,300-square-foot Yorkdale location opening February 12, introducing an elevated fast-casual concept that breaks from traditional food court positioning while setting the stage for ambitious nationwide growth.
“Yorkdale is the perfect fit for our first Toronto location outside of downtown because it aligns with our commitment to premium quality, hospitality, and an elevated guest experience,” Billy Richmond, Business Director at Shake Shack Canada, reveals in an exclusive interview with 6ix News. “As one of Canada’s top shopping destinations with the reputation of housing best-in-class global brands, Yorkdale is the ideal first mall location attracting a diverse mix of shoppers, food lovers, and trendsetters.”
Strategic Location Design
The new restaurant, situated at the top of the first escalator to the mall’s food court, features 90 seats and an innovative indoor patio concept. Richmond explains the strategic thinking behind the design: “As shopping centres become more than just retail destinations, guests are looking for inviting spaces where they can gather, relax, and enjoy a high-quality meal in a dynamic environment. Yorkdale Shack’s indoor patio brings that vision to life, blending the energy of the mall with the laid-back feel of an open-air dining space.”
This approach reflects evolving consumer preferences in retail environments. “We see more restaurants and dining spots outside the food court that are a destination in themselves,” Richmond notes. “That’s why our Yorkdale Shack is so special – we carved out a unique spot within the mall for guests to enjoy great Shack burgers, fries and shakes above the hustle and crowds.”
Local Market Integration
Since entering the Canadian market in 2024, Shake Shack has prioritized local partnerships and sourcing strategies. Richmond reveals that over 90% of products now come from Canadian suppliers, including all beef, chicken, and dairy products.
“When entering the Canadian market, our goal has been to deliver the same Shake Shack experience that fans know and love while thoughtfully tailoring it for Canadians,” he explains. “Supporting local is at the heart of our business, which is why we’ve partnered with incredible and much-loved Canadian businesses such as Beretta Farms, Brodflour, and Bellwoods Brewery to create unique menu items.”
The Canadian partnerships extend beyond food suppliers. Each Toronto location features commissioned works by local artists, with the Yorkdale restaurant showcasing art by Toronto-based queer Mestizx/Latinx illustrator Vivian Rosas. This follows installations by Briony Douglas at the Yonge and Dundas flagship and Pui Yan Fong at Union Station.
“Art has been part of our DNA since day one,” Richmond notes. “These collaborations bring us back to our roots and reinforce our Stand for Something Good mission—supporting local talent, fostering connections, and ensuring every Shack reflects and enhances the neighbourhood it serves.”
Market Response and Growth Strategy
The expansion marks Shake Shack’s third Toronto location, following successful openings at 10 Dundas Street East and Union Station, where the brand introduced one of its rare full-bar concepts. The rapid growth reflects strong market reception.
“Canada had been waiting for Shake Shack for a long time and the response has been fantastic,” Richmond shares. “So many of our guests have experienced Shake Shack in the US and lined up to try it in Canada. We’ve gotten great feedback on our exclusive Shake and Concretes and guests love the local artwork, design and furniture featured in the restaurants.”
The brand worked with retail specialists Beauleigh on the Yorkdale location, and marks the third Toronto restaurant for Shake Shack Canada, the partnership between Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc. The national expansion plan aims for 35 locations, building on Shake Shack’s global network of over 510 restaurants, including more than 290 across 32 U.S. states and 150 international outposts.
Mall Dining Evolution
Richmond sees the Yorkdale location as part of a broader evolution in shopping centre food and beverage strategy. “Shopping centres are evolving into vibrant lifestyle hubs where dining plays a central role,” he observes. “By introducing elevated, yet approachable dining spaces, we’re catering to guests who want more than just a quick bite. Shake Shack is setting a new standard in Canada for quality food, atmosphere, and guest engagement.”
The 4,300-square-foot footprint allows for operational flexibility while maintaining the brand’s premium positioning. Each element of the space, from the indoor patio to the local artwork, reinforces Shake Shack’s community-focused approach while elevating the traditional mall dining experience.
Looking ahead, Richmond indicates the Yorkdale location will serve as a model for future shopping centre developments across Canada. “We are hard at work on our expansion plans and are looking forward to bringing more Shack’s to Canadian communities soon!”
[Development Brief]
- Location: Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Upper Level)
- Opening: February 12, 2025
- Size: 4,300 square feet
- Format: 90-seat destination dining concept with indoor patio
- Leasing: Beauleigh
- Ownership: Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc. joint venture
- Canadian Expansion: 35 locations planned over 10 years
- Currently Open: Yonge & Dundas (The Tenor), Union Station
- Canadian Sourcing: Over 90% local suppliers
- Design Features: Custom artwork by Vivian Rosas, indoor patio concept
- Market Position: Premium fast-casual dining destination.
- Design: Zebra Designs
- Construction: Carbon Building Group
Dustin Fuhs is the Editor-in-Chief of 6ix Retail. He is the former Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider, Canada’s most-read retail trade publication. He has over 20 years of experience in the retail, marketing, entertainment and hospitality industries, including with The Walt Disney Company, The Hockey Hall of Fame, Starbucks and Blockbuster.
Dustin was named as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024 and 2025.