It’s been a big year for foodies in Canada, with plenty of widely recognized chains and eateries opening new locations all over the country.
Hype built for many of these spots in the months prior, with the excitement hitting fever pitch on opening days. In fact, some spots saw people lining up for over 12 hours to be among the first to check out the new spots.
Here are some of the great lengths Canadians went to in 2024 to check out these new restaurant openings.
It was a big year for Chick-fil-A fans in Alberta, as the US chicken chain opened up multiple spots in the province, which were met with huge lineups on opening day.
When Chick-fil-A’s West Edmonton Mall outpost opened this summer, diners rushed to get in line as early as 6 am, and realistically, they were only hindered by the mall’s opening hours.
Meanwhile, in Calgary, the lineups were wild, with people waiting for over 12 hours at the brand’s Macleod Trail location ahead of its opening. The cops showed up, and traffic stretched as far back as CF Chinook Centre. All in the name of chicken.
The opening of Canada’s first-ever Hello Kitty Cafe was long-awaited, and the lines on opening day certainly matched that energy.
From its Robson Street location, the line circled the block, turning onto Bute Street and then turning again onto Eihu Lane behind the cafe.
Dished spoke with people in line, with some saying they had been lined up since the early hours of the morning. A group at the front of the line had arrived at 7 pm the previous day.
Back in June, Shake Shack finally opened its very first Canadian outpost right in the heart of Toronto at Yonge and Dundas. Hundreds of Torontonians were in line to get their hands on the spot’s famous smash burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and even some Canadian exclusives.
Shake Shack has now opened its second Toronto location at Union Station (the first in Canada to have a full bar), and a third is on the way at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
Donut giant Krispy Kreme finally made its way to Alberta in 2024, opening its first location in Edmonton. The city was clearly buzzing for a sweet treat, as lines for the store at 4614 Gateway Boulevard NW started over 12 hours before it was due to open its doors.
Krispy Kreme’s 4,600-square-foot store in Edmonton features one of its signature Doughnut Theatres, where guests can watch the donut-making process and even try a hot one straight off the line.
With files from Marco Ovies and Allison Stephen