Game, set, and Shack! THIS exclusive menu from a global burger phenomenon is coming to Australian Open

Imagine queuing for a burger so iconic it has been called 'the Dom Perignon of hot dog stands.'

Picture the first bite of a ShackBurger melting in your mouth while the tennis court buzzes behind you.

For Australian food lovers, this moment is finally arriving.

Shake Shack, the beloved American burger brand, is set to make its Australian debut as a pop-up at the 2026 Australian Open.

From 12 January to 1 February, Melbourne Park will host the cult-favourite chain, giving Aussies their first taste of the brand that started as a humble hot dog cart in New York's Madison Square Park.

The story began in 2001 when renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer launched the cart to support the park's first art installation.

Its popularity was instant, running for three summers before Meyer was asked to open a permanent kiosk, which launched in July 2004.

Meyer envisioned Shake Shack as the 'anti-McDonald's,' serving elevated versions of American classics with a focus on quality ingredients and warm hospitality.

The response to Shake Shack was extraordinary, with crowds queuing for hours just to taste the food.

Even today, the original location maintains wait times of over an hour when the weather is pleasant.

What sets Shake Shack apart is its dedication to quality, value, and hospitality, creating a cult following that extends far beyond typical fast food.

The numbers tell the story: average U.S. store revenue is more than double that of McDonald's.

Since 2004, Shake Shack has expanded to over 520 locations globally, including more than 335 across 33 U.S. states and over 185 international sites in cities like London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo and Seoul.

At the Australian Open, fans can expect the signature ShackBurger—a single cheeseburger with a smashed Angus beef patty, melted American cheese, tomato, lettuce, and the famous ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun.

There will also be an exclusive Australian Open Shake, available only at TOPCOURT during January, with the pop-up operating at both TOPCOURT and John Cain Arena throughout the tournament.

Social media reactions show some concern over pricing, with one person commenting: 'I hope it's not $40 a burger at Australian Open.'

While food at major sporting events can be pricey, Shake Shack’s philosophy has always been 'high-quality food at a great value.'

Locations worldwide often tailor their menus to local tastes, such as the Coral Gables, Florida location offering 'Key Lime Pie Oh My' and 'Cookie Cubana,' and Philadelphia serving the 'Liberty Shell' dessert.

This suggests that Shake Shack’s Australian offerings might eventually include local flavours.

The 2026 Australian Open promises more than just burgers, with returning favourites like Peach Melbourne dessert and new drinks like the Grey Goose Lemon Ace Cocktail, which debuted last year following the success of the US Open's Honey Deuce cocktail.

Other highlights include French-inspired snack boxes curated by Nik Hill from Porcine, the return of the AO Frappe, Japanese convenience store-style offerings from Suupaa, and selections from Vic's Meat, The Chef's Butcher, Fishbowl, and Hector's Deli.

Tennis Australia's Head of Product Growth and Innovation Fern Barrett said: 'We're committed to making the AO not just the best Grand Slam on court, but also the best off-court, and food and drink are central to that experience.'

For many Australian tennis fans, their first Shake Shack experience will be forever linked with the excitement of the Australian Open.

If the idea of indulging in elevated fast-casual dining has you thinking about upgrading your own meals at home, there’s another story worth checking out.

A MasterChef star shares a simple $15 dinner secret that transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience.

It’s a perfect follow-up for anyone inspired by the creativity and quality behind Shake Shack’s menu, showing how to bring that same flavourful touch to your own kitchen.

Read more: MasterChef star reveals $15 dinner secret that will transform your meals!

What are your thoughts on international food chains coming to major Australian sporting events?