Eataly is coming to Canada

Eataly has solidified plans for its entrance into Canada.

Last week the Globe and Mail reported that Oscar Farinetti, Eataly’s founder and chairman, has confirmed that a location in central Toronto had been found and that the Weston family will have 52% of the real estate and retail project.

The announcement comes as no surprise.

In an exclusive interview last year, managing partner and CFO Adam Saper told Canadian Grocer that his company was eager to find real estate in Toronto as soon as possible and was working with Loblaw’s Weston family to find a space.

While Farinetti was unable to give a precise location of the Toronto store, Saper told Canadian Grocer that the search included the Yorkville shopping district and surrounding area, as well as spots further downtown.

READ: Eataly talks Toronto plans with Canadian Grocer

“We’re very opportunity-driven and it’s difficult to find a large space; you can’t always just choose exactly the location you want,” Saper said, adding that the ideal size of an Eataly is 30,000 square feet to 45,000 square feet.

Some have speculated that Eataly could open within a Holt Renfrew department store, which is also owned by the Weston family.

“We are looking at all opportunities, so probably every rumour you’ve heard, it’s both half true and half false," Saper said. "We are trying to find what the right fit is for us.”

The Westons and Eataly have an established working relationship. Eataly has plans to open a store within the Weston-owned Selfridges department store in London.

Eataly’s Canadian entry comes as the retailer expands its presence in the U.S. This year it will open a second New York location and its first store in Boston. It is also on track to open in Los Angeles next year.