Who’s Behind It
Co-owners, founders and partners Xian Fullen and Noel Sweetland
The Dish to Eat
The California Classic burger
Since its mid-2023 debut, Class Clown has disrupted Calgary’s burger scene with its self-described “tasty food” and “nice drinks” served with a side of nostalgia, quickly developing a cult following. There’s more to Class Clown than just top-tier burgers; it truly delivers a fun, one-of-a-kind experience. Restaurateurs Noel Sweetland and Xian Fullen have meticulously designed every aspect of this retro burger joint. From the wood panelling to the padded bar, every element works to create a cozy and familiar vibe, reminiscent of a ’70s rumpus room.
An equal amount of care has been taken to create a whimsical menu where the smash-style beef burgers are the star — made with top-quality, pasture-raised, Alberta AAA Benchmark Black Angus chuck and brisket that is ground in-house daily. Class Clown’s best-seller, the California Classic with mustard-grilled patties and “trillion island” sauce, is a riff on the “Animal Style” burger from In-N-Out Burger, the beloved Californian burger chain. For those craving a hit of spice with a playful twist, the Szechuwannabe, with crispy fried chicken tossed in a tongue-numbing mala spice mix, is not to be missed. Another crowd favourite is the Winnipeg Fat Boy, a Manitoban classic topped with a house-made sweet chili meat sauce. Class Clown also gets an A+ for its weekly selection of quirky natural wines, which add a delightful sense of novelty to the dining experience. These decidedly “weird” wines are chosen for their approachability and fun factor, making them accessible, even to novice wine drinkers.
Class Clown further cranks up the coolness factor with special collaborations with other hip eateries and wine importers that pop up almost monthly. These events are where the team gets to clown around, trying out fresh, fun ideas and concepts that keep everyone on their toes. Get ready for quirky burger mashups on these special nights.
106, 1711 4 St. S.W., 403-243-8284, classclown.ca, @classclownhamburgers