A burger battle royale is brewing at one major Toronto intersection, as two high-profile burger chains prepare to set up shop within metres of one another.
Burgers, burgers, burgers: Toronto’s simply crazy about them, and the city’s ever-multiplying fleet of burger chains and standalone restaurants is all the evidence needed.
We’ve got small, local burger chains; we’ve got huge, international burger chains; we’ve got shops that serve patties so thin and crispy they more resemble chantilly lace than beef, and those that serve them as thick and juicy as a porterhouse steak.
Still, despite all the variety, the major, heavyweight international chains somehow manage to dominate the scene, and among the foremost are McDonald’s and, more recently, Shake Shack.
Though McDonald’s has been in the city for the better part of 60 years, and Shake Shack only two, the latter has been on a veritable warpath across the city, expanding its footprint to eight locations across the GTA in less than 24 months.
Now, the two titans are about to go head-to-head at one of Toronto’s busiest intersections: Yonge and Bloor.
Shake Shack is slated to set up shop at the heritage Albert Britnell Bookshop building at 765 Yonge St. this fall, while McDonald’s is similarly moving into a heritage building, the William Hewett Building, at 826 Yonge St.
There’s no word yet on the exact opening dates for either restaurant, but, as signage at the new McDonald’s storefront assures it’s “coming soon,” it shouldn’t be long for either.
Will this finally prove once and for all which fast-food burger is superior? Or, given the city’s affinity for burgers and the auspicious positioning at a major TTC line intersection, can both survive in burger bliss? Only time will tell.
If you need me, however, I’ll be at Burger Drops.
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