The wait is over for Australian fans of cult American dining. The famed burger chain Shake Shack will make its long-awaited Australian debut at the 2026 Australian Open, setting up shop for the duration of the Grand Slam tournament.
A Festival First: Burgers, Beats and Tennis
From Monday, January 12 to Sunday, February 1, 2026, tennis and food lovers can sample Shake Shack's offerings without leaving Melbourne. The brand will operate pop-ups at two key locations: the brand-new TOPCOURT entertainment precinct at Birrarung Marr and inside John Cain Arena.
This move underscores the Australian Open's evolution from a pure sporting contest into a major summer festival. The open-air TOPCOURT area, designed with a Gen-Z and festival crowd in mind, will blend live electronic music, gaming, cultural activations and diverse food pop-ups into one riverside destination, accessible with a Ground Pass.
During the opening week, the precinct will host live performances from acts like Hot Chip, Elderbrook and The Presets. The concept allows fans to enjoy world-class tennis by day before transitioning to an evening of DJs, drinks and, of course, Shake Shack burgers.
Menu Highlights and Fan Frenzy
The Australian outlets will serve Shake Shack's iconic ShackBurger, featuring a smashed Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and the secret ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. Notably, the pop-up will also offer an exclusive Australian Open Shake, available only at TOPCOURT throughout January.
News of the arrival has sparked significant excitement online. "Shake Shack finally coming to Aus is everything," wrote one eager fan, while another questioned, "What?!? World's best burger finally hits Melbourne. Do I need to start lining up now?" Some admitted the burger news was a bigger draw than the tennis itself.
However, not all reactions were uniformly positive. Some Australians expressed concern about potential premium pricing, with one joking about a "$50 burger." Others questioned the choice of an international brand over local favourites like Betty's Burgers.
Reflecting a Grand Slam's Growth
Following the official media launch in October, Tennis Australia's Fern Barrett stated that Shake Shack's inclusion highlights the event's expansive growth. "Shake Shack's arrival at the AO underlines how much this event has grown beyond the court. It's a festival of food, sport and culture," she said.
The 2026 tournament is also enhancing fan convenience with innovations like expanded in-seat ordering for accessible seating, roving vending to cut queues, and new automated snack services.
The Shake Shack pop-up is just one star in a stellar 2026 food line-up, which also features the return of the popular Peach Melbourne dessert and the Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail. Other notable vendors include Melbourne's Hector’s Deli, Vic’s Meat, and Entrecôte, ensuring the grounds of Melbourne Park will be a culinary destination in its own right.
With one of America's most famous burgers now on the menu alongside top-tier tennis and entertainment, the countdown to the Australian Open 2026 has taken on a delicious new dimension.
