Alberta’s Woodshed Burgers Is Setting The Standard For What Keeping It Local Looks Like

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Britanny Burr

Every once in a while, a restaurant comes along that redefines the way we think about food, not just because it’s delicious, but because of the immense attention and dedication poured into every dish. While Woodshed Burgers in Edmonton may strike you as a classic burger joint, it’s so much more. We should also mention that there are multiple locations, so you won’t have to travel far to try it for yourself.

Of course, the burgers are next-level, and the vibes are immaculate, but this place has taken something seemingly simple, like burgers and fries, and elevated it to a whole new stratosphere. Not only does the team at Woodshed source everything locally, right here in Alberta, but they’ve also poured so much heart and care into their menu that you better believe every single mind-blowing flavour you taste is completely intentional.

The burgers are top-quality, and affordably priced, and the small, 50-seat restaurant is so welcoming that you’ll find yourself coming back without a doubt.

To learn more about this values-first hot spot, we caught up with Owner and Executive Chef Paul Shufelt.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion

Paul Shufelt’s love for food started long before he opened Woodshed Burgers. Growing up in a small town outside Montreal, his childhood was filled with homegrown ingredients, seasonal cooking, and a deep respect for food.

“Our garden was the size of a football field. We cellared things all winter and raised a few chickens, ducks, and even pigs at one point. We collected sap for maple syrup, and my mom’s partner did a lot of fishing and hunting. So, from a young age, I was exposed to making the most out of everything we had,” Shufelt recalls.

That appreciation for food carried into his career, from washing dishes at the local restaurant to studying at culinary school and working in Switzerland, where he honed his craft in classical French cooking. After years of building his skills, he landed in Edmonton, working his way up in the industry before deciding to strike out on his own in 2015.

That’s when his first restaurant, The Workshop Eatery, was born, along with a firm commitment to supporting local farmers and producers.

The Philosophy Behind Woodshed Burgers

From the very beginning, Shufelt’s goal has been clear: to create outstanding food while supporting local farmers, ranchers, and producers.

“We wanted to have a stronger connection to the person growing our food or raising our animals,” he explains. “When you get to set foot in a farmer’s field or walk through their barn, you get a better understanding of who you’re doing business with. That was really important to us.”

By sourcing locally, Woodshed Burgers ensures freshness, seasonality, and quality while also strengthening relationships with Alberta’s farming community.

“It’s not just about me taking, taking, taking from a farmer,” says Shufelt. “It’s about working together. Just the other day, one of our vegetable growers reached out because he had 300 to 400 pounds of carrots he needed to use up. They might not be the prettiest ones for a plate, but they can go into a soup, a purée, or be pickled. You don’t get that kind of relationship when you’re just picking off a grocery list from a wholesale supplier.”

This commitment extends across the entire menu, from handmade condiments to scratch-made sides, and most importantly, to the producers Woodshed proudly partners with.

The Local Producers That Bring Woodshed to Life

Every bite at Woodshed Burgers tells the story of Alberta’s vibrant food scene. The restaurant sources its ingredients from some of the best local farmers, bakers, and producers who share the same passion for quality and sustainability.

• Beef from Lakeside Farmstead in Sturgeon County, run by Jeff Nonay, comes from a farm with deep agricultural roots and a commitment to ethical, high-quality meat production.
• Buns from Bon Ton Bakery, a scratch bakery in Edmonton, are made using heritage grains and time-honoured techniques that have been in place since 1956.
• Bacon from Irving’s Farm Fresh in Round Hill, Alberta, comes from Berkshire pigs raised with the freedom to roam, ensuring superior quality and flavour.
• Chicken from Morinville Colony, where multi-generational farmers prioritize ethical, humane animal care and sustainable farming.
• Turkey from Four Whistle Farms, just outside Millet, is raised on pasture without hormones or antibiotics, ensuring a rich, natural taste.
• Hot Dogs from Country Quality Meats, a local processor in Bon Accord, custom-makes the hot dogs to Woodshed’s specifications.
• Fish from Effing Seafoods in St. Albert, where the team is dedicated to fresh, sustainable, high-quality seafood with full traceability.
• Locally sourced toppings and house-made condiments, because Woodshed believes the best flavours come from fresh, quality ingredients.
• A craft beer and soda selection featuring Alberta-based breweries, because a great burger deserves a great local brew to go with it.

Fries, Onion Rings, and a Commitment to Doing It Right

If you’re ordering fries at Woodshed, don’t expect anything frozen.

“Growing up in Quebec, seeing so many places out west serving frozen fries was heartbreaking,” Shufelt says. “I’m old school. I get slack for it because a lot of Albertans love their Kennebec potatoes, but I’m a russet guy. Even those, we source as locally as we can—about nine and a half, ten months of the year, we get them straight from a farm just 30 minutes outside the city.”

But if there’s one side that’s developed a cult following, it’s Woodshed’s onion rings, a labour-intensive, handcrafted masterpiece that Shufelt refuses to take shortcuts on.

“Our onion rings are literally hand-dipped. We peel them, separate them, soak them in milk, and then dredge them in flour before dipping them in our handmade beer batter. They’re flipped one at a time,” he explains.

This level of care leads to an end result, unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.

“They’re not what most people are used to. We get flack for it sometimes because they’re so different, but honestly? They’re more like onion donuts, massive, crispy, and packed with flavour.”

For those who love a side that’s just as memorable as the main event, these onion rings are non-negotiable.

More Than Just a Burger Joint

While the food at Woodshed Burgers speaks for itself, the experience is just as important.

“It’s warm and inviting, super casual,” says Shufelt. “Whether you’re dressed up for a night out or grabbing burgers with the family after soccer practice, we’re going to take care of you the same way.”

With multiple locations across Edmonton, Woodshed Burgers continues to prove that fast, casual dining can still mean top-tier quality, local ingredients, and an unwavering dedication to great food.

One bite, and you’ll taste exactly what that means.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This content has been republished for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.