Toronto-born burger chain RUDY opened its first London location Friday, Jan. 23, at White Oaks Mall, expanding the company’s Ontario footprint to 13 restaurants.
Stephen Barker, the company’s vice-president of operations, said the restaurant saw strong traffic earlier in the day before activity slowed later on, with about a dozen customers present.
White Oaks Mall also seemed quieter than usual, likely due to cold weather, with temperatures dropping to –20 C.
Customers ordering food inside RUDY’s new White Oaks Mall location.
Credit: Melissa Ghanoum
Customers attending the opening included longtime RUDY fans such as Paul Nagy, who said the new location saves him trips to Toronto.
“I’m glad RUDY’s around the corner now,” Nagy said. “I used to always go to Toronto to eat at their location.”
Paul Nagy, a longtime RUDY customer, attends the opening of the burger chain’s London location at White Oaks Mall.
Credit: Melissa Ghanoum
Sourabh Gohad, Co-owner of RUDY London restaurant, said the city had long been a target for expansion.
“The Forest City attracted us a long time ago,” Gohad said. “It’s a great location with great people and it’s one of the friendliest cities I’ve visited.”
RUDY was founded in 2016 in Toronto’s Little Italy by childhood friends Luke McCann and Chris Simpson, focusing on a small menu of classic burgers and comfort food.
We’re here to serve great food with a smile
Saurabh Gohad, Co-owner of RUDY White Oaks Mall location, is shown at the restaurant’s opening in London, Ont., on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Credit: Melissa Ghanoum
The company prioritizes community presence and employment as it expands.
“Everywhere we go, we try to bring people together and provide employment,” Gohad said.
The location employs local staff, including London resident Abena Oppong, who described the opening as a positive experience.
“It’s been really fun,” Oppong said. “It’s nice seeing people from London come in and experience something new.”
RUDY staff member Abena Oppong
Credit: Melissa Ghanoum
Another location is set to open soon at Hyde Park Gate in Oakville.
