A popular American fast food chain opened a new drive-thru in south Calgary Thursday morning, and it’s the franchise’s first in Canada. The Shake Shack drive-thru opened at 9253 Macleod Trail S.W. at 10:30 a.m. There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony, entertainment, chalk art -- and merch. The first 100 people through the drive-thru and first 100 through the restaurant received free, limited edition Shake Shack merchandise. One of the first people in line at the drive-thru was Hailey Estabrooks, who said her two sisters-in-law hyped her up to try it on opening day. “I am a big fan of spice. I love pickles,” Estabrooks said. “They have a spicy chicken crunch burger with lots of pickles on it, so that’s calling my name – me and my pregnancy. “There’s no other place I should be,” she added. “I am super excited to try it,” she said. “I’ve never had it before – I know it’s more of an American franchise so this is really exciting for me.” Shake Shack Canada marketing director Jane Phillips said the company has worked hard to localize their menu. “We serve 100 per cent Alberta beef, dairy and 100 per cent Canadian chicken as well,” Phillips said “Beyond that we also work hard with our local partners,” she added. “We’ve partnered with Pie Junkie, a local Calgary bakery, for an Oh My Honey Pie Concrete which is delicious.” The restaurant is decorated inside and out with murals by Calgary artist Larissa Schuler as well. “It’s our first exterior mural in any of our shacks in Canada and it’s great, so people through the drive thru are able to check out her art and she also has a mural in shack,” Phillips said. There is another Shake Shack in Calgary inside Chinook Centre, but it’s not a drive-thru.
