Boogie's Burgers

Iconic burger joint Boogie’s Burgers has been treating Calgarians to belly-busting, meaty delights since 1969. Entering Boogie’s is like stepping into the past. Indeed, the restaurant looks much like it did back in ’69. The walls are painted bright orange and pasted with photos of TV and movie celebrities as well as music gig posters. Its diner-style counter is lined with stools, and vintage arcade games are tucked into the corners.

Noel Sweetland, who co-owns Boogie’s with his friend Kipp Teghtmeyer, met while working as bartenders at a pub in southeast Calgary. They wanted to open either a pub of their own or a burger restaurant. “Burgers are cooler,” says Noel, who, along with Kipp, took ownership of Boogie’s in 2008. He says some customers were initially wary of the change in ownership — some have been regulars since the ’70s, he says — but any fears passed quickly. “We didn’t change anything,” says Noel. “Just made some things better, like using real cheese and baking buns fresh every day. We brought some new energy in, and it has been busier than ever.”