How this Calgary burger restaurant remains popular after opening over 55 years ago

While Calgary certainly isn’t lacking in the burger department, one iconic burger joint has stood the test of time due to its winning combination of nostalgia and creativity.Boogie’s Burgers has been a staple for burgers in Calgary since first opening in 1969. Owned back then by Fay and Sam Atalla, the Renfrew spot originated as a drive-thru whipping up burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes, and even fish and chips.The spot was later moved back and incorporated into its strip mall home. In 2008, the iconic Calgary burger joint was bought by Kipp Teghtmeyer and a couple of friends who saw potential in the neighbourhood staple.Since getting involved in the business, Teghtmeyer told Dished that Calgary has drastically changed, with the number of citizens skyrocketing.“With that comes a lot of new people, a lot of new cuisines, a lot of new competition lately, and a lot of new burger joints,” he explains.CHANGING CITYDespite the influx of burger joints descending on the city, Teghtmeyer believes that Boogie’s winning formula is down to its combination of serving up great burgers that have stood the test of time, having exceptional staff, and its commitment to nostalgia with plenty of video games available to play.In fact, stepping into Boogie’s Burgers is almost like stepping back in time with mementos that serve as a reminder of just how long the spot has been in Calgary. One of which is an old Boogie’s menu board, complete with its prices.The spot has remained popular since it opened and was even able to open a second outpost in Marda Loop in 2017.> View this post on Instagram> > > > > A post shared by Dished Calgary (@dishedcalgary)If you mention grabbing burgers to a Calgarian, chances are they’ll suggest Boogie’s as a good place to start, but its reputation extends way beyond the city.In 2023, country music icon Keith Urban visited and gave the burger joint a shout-out at the Country Thunder Music Festival, and the spot has played host to football players and hockey players, too, according to Teghtmeyer.While star power is exciting, it’s the loyal customers and their stories that are the most special.“A couple that used to come here on their date nights all the time actually rented the space out last May and had their wedding at Boogie’s Burgers,” Teghtmeyer adds.CREATIVITY AT ITS COREWhile Boogie’s has adapted its menu over time to suit customer preferences with more sauces and different burger options, such as vegan and veggie patties, its menu still very much reflects its history.“We’ve stayed pretty true to our menu over the years. Lots of the sauces and burgers that were here from the original owners still exist,” Teghtmeyer says, adding that there are also burgers dedicated to Sam and Fay.However, Boogie’s also prides itself on its creativity. From burgers to milkshakes, the joint has never shied away from the weird and wacky.“We’ve deep-fried everything you can think of. We’ve put everything into a milkshake you can think of. We let our staff kind of lead the way in terms of what they like to do and give them all a whirl,” he continues.The creations often begin as monthly features or specials, and if the customers love them, they may just hit the menu.In the past, Boogie’s has served up everything from a KD milkshake to its permanent menu item: the enormous Don’t Fear The Reaper burger loaded with four beef patties, bacon, a hot dog, a fried egg, signature red sauce, white onion, tomato, shredded lettuce, and topped with a mini corndog.No matter your burger preference, chances are Boogie’s Burgers has something that will satisfy, and as such, generations of families keep coming back.“We get grandparents with their grandkids coming in and talking about how they’ve been coming here for 40 years, playing video games, having fun and drinking milkshakes with their loved ones,” Teghtmeyer adds.Over 56 years in, Boogie’s Burgers remains a Calgary favourite. Here’s to 56 more!BOOGIE’S BURGERSAddress: 908 Edmonton Tr. NE, CalgaryAddress: 2129 33rd Ave. SW, CalgaryInstagramStill hungry? Discover Dished Calgary on TikTok You might also like:- Canadian fast food chain to halt its U.S. expansion due to rising political tension- A new 58,000 sq. ft. grocery store is opening in Calgary this week- Most exciting Calgary spring restaurant openings to look forward to