New Burger Spot Opens in Canmore With Alberta Beef and Game Burgers

A new burger spot has opened in Canmore’s Shops of Canmore, with its owners saying they want to add more casual, family-friendly dining options to the local mix.

Patty Shack Burger Bar is located in Suite 113 at 302 Old Canmore Rd., and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

The restaurant is operating in the same suite that previously housed Drunkin Lobster Oyster Bar, a seafood restaurant that closed in December 2025. 

Owners Alex Johnston (who also goes by “Harvie”) and Seongwoo Kwon said the concept is rooted in both local ties and what they see as a gap in Canmore’s dining scene.

“We are locals to the area; my husband actually grew up in Canmore,” Kwon said. 

The couple also owns First Call Tavern, also located at the Shops of Canmore, and Kwon says opening Patty Shack was a long-time goal. 

“We currently own First Call Tavern and recently opened the Patty Shack Burger Bar,” she said. “Our goal with these establishments is to provide more casual, family-friendly dining options for our community.”

The owners describe the restaurant as Canmore’s “only burger bar,” serving Alberta beef and “game meats,” along with gluten-friendly options. 

“Opening this restaurant has always been Alex’s dream, and we finally made it happen,” Kwon said.

‘Who doesn’t like a burger?’

The menu includes beef burgers, plus options like an elk burger and wild boar burger, along with a veggie burger. 

For first-time customers, Kwon points to one clear pick.

“Our signature is the Patty Shack Cheeseburger,” she said. “That is definitely what a first-time customer should order.”

The menu also includes beer and cocktails. 

Opening in a tough time for restaurants

The opening comes as many Bow Valley operators describe a challenging environment for restaurants, shaped by higher food and supply costs, staffing pressures, and shoulder seasons that can be difficult to carry even when peak tourism months are busy. 

Kwon said those cost pressures are already showing up.

“We are definitely seeing high costs as a new operator,” she said. 

Still, she said she expects local support to matter most when visitor numbers drop. 

“The locals are coming!” she said. “I am not worried about the slow seasons because of our local support.”

She said that confidence has also been one of the early signs the business is on the right track.

“Seeing the need for family-friendly restaurants in Canmore made us confident this would work,” she said.

What they want residents to know

For now, the message to locals is straightforward.

“We just want everyone to come by and enjoy a delicious burger!” Kwon said.