Global Italian marketplace Eataly has recently announced plans to open its first Canadian location in early 2019 as an anchor tenant of the newly renovated Manulife Centre in the heart of Yorkville. Eataly, a vibrant Italian food marketplace including a mix of food markets, restaurants, and eateries will span three stories for a total space of 50,000 square feet.
The Italian company, brought to the Americas in 2010 with the help of Mario Batali, Lidia and Joe Bastianich and Adam and Alex Saper, is partnering with the Selfridges Group and Terroni Restaurants for its entrance to Canada, leveraging local expertise to develop a truly distinct Toronto Eataly experience. Eataly is known for its unique offering – customers can shop for high quality products reflecting the biodiversity of Italy, eat at one of the many restaurants and counters, and learn about the stories behind those products – all within the same marketplace. Eataly is not a chain, it's a family, and each location is distinct and highlights the city and people who reside there.
Commenting on the expansion into Canada, Eataly Founder Oscar Farinetti said: "Eataly Toronto will be spectacular. Firstly, the city of Toronto values high quality food. And we do too. Secondly this will be our first Canadian location, and with every first in a new market comes something full of excitement and adrenaline. Lastly, and above all, we are entering the market with people we fully trust and we share the same passions with. We can't wait to get to work and start this partnership!"
The launch of Eataly Toronto is part of a larger transformation of the Manulife Centre, which together with Holt Renfrew, reinforces Bloor and Yorkville as the ultimate destination for Toronto shoppers and food lovers.