Even though we’re all spending all of our time at home and perfecting the art of banana bread and sourdough, sometimes you just don’t feel like cooking. That’s where Eataly Toronto comes in.

Eataly Toronto’s Trattoria Milano restaurant is now offering weekly four-course meals that can be picked up in store.

Each week’s menu retails for $65 and can be ordered ahead of time on Tock. Want to add in some vino or enjoy a cocktail pairing? You can add those onto your order for an extra cost, of course.

Instagram/@moddevelopments

This week’s menu features a Vitello Tonnato appetizer which is poached Montauk Farms veal loin, tuna sauce, radish, with capers. Then there’s gnocchi in a saffron cream sauce followed by Spezzatino Con Polenta which is Italian beef stew with K2 Milling polenta.

Don’t think the team at Eataly forgot about dessert.

Indulge in an Italian chocolate budino with coffee and salted caramel that is served with crumbled amaretti cookies.

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If you’re stuck on what to make for dinner or you’re just needing a pick-me-up in the form of pizza and pasta, Eataly has you covered. The mega Italian grocery store has just launched DIY pizza and pasta kits.

The grocer’s meal kits are available to order Uber Eats, Foodora, Door Dash, and for in-store pick up, as well.

eataly
Instagram/@eatalytoronto

You can get a taste of Italy at home when you grab one of Eataly’s pizza al padellino dough, sauce & toppings. Choose from 5 different varieties: Funghi, Margherita, Quattro Formaggi, Salsiccia, and Soppresata.

If you’re craving pasta, then get ready for the pasta night of your dreams.

eataly
Instagram/@eatalytoronto

Choose Tagliatelle alla Bolognese or Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe and try Eataly’s fresh pasta or stick with classic dried noodles.

Regardless of which option you choose, or if you go with both, you’re in for a delicious dinner.

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Throughout the years, the Canadian retail landscape has seen its fair share of ups and downs.

From the launches of major American beauty chains to the closures of popular brands, 2019 saw many impactful events that reshaped how Canadians shop.

Take a peek at some of the most important stories from Canadian retail 2019 below.

What’s The Deal With Toronto’s Last Zellers Store? We Take A Peek Inside

last zellers store
Cristina Avila

In 2019, there were two Zellers stores still open in Canada: one in Ottawa and another in Etobicoke. With the Ottawa location gearing up to shutter and the GTA location slated to close in January 2020, StyleDemocracy went inside the store to give readers one final look around. Continue reading.

Dollarama Is Listening To Shoppers Who Think Prices Are Too High

discount retailers
Square One

Dollarama has seen prices for items rise up to $3 or $4, something not all customers have been happy about. In 2016, the Montreal-based chain made a move towards better quality products. Using toothpicks as an example, Dollarama’s Chief Executive Officer Larry Rossy said, “it’s not so much that we can offer 500 toothpicks, but it’s more if we offer 200 very good toothpicks that the customer will be happy with, I think that’s what counts at the end. It’s a culture that we’re trying to instill in everyone. Again, it’s not quantity but quality that counts.” But now the company is singing a different tune. Continue reading.

The End Is Coming For An Iconic Toronto Footwear Store

Twitter/@YorkdaleStyle | Google Maps/Phil J

Long-standing Toronto retailer, Davids Footwear, was placed in receivership after 60 years of business in the summer of 2019. For those unaware, receivership is when a “receiver” is appointed by a creditor to take over all of the assets, undertakings, and properties from the debtor. In the retail world, a receiver will host liquidation sales so that creditors can recoup their money. Continue reading.

A Big American Beauty Brand Is Making Plans To Open In Canada

Yelp/Kaliko P | Instagram/@g_sqrd

Ulta Beauty is expected to open its first Canadian stores in late 2020 or early 2021. This is huge news for beauty lovers across the country. The Illinois-based beauty brand is similar to Sephora, but has larger stores and a wider range of prices, services, and products. Ulta carries everything from price-friendly favourites like Maybelline and Revolution Beauty, to higher end exclusives like Tarte Shape Tape and Kylie Cosmetics. Continue reading.

James Charles Will Be At Square One Shopping Centre For The Opening Of Morphe’s First Canadian Store

Instagram/@jamescharles | Instagram/@shopsquareone

At the beginning of 2019, Morphe opened its first Canadian location in Mississauga at Square One Shopping Centre. To kick off the launch, the L.A.-based beauty brand pulled out the big guns, inviting YouTube beauty guru for the official ribbon cutting event. Of course, chaos ensued. Take a peek at the response the opening saw or inside the store.

A New Korean-Inspired Dollar Store Has Landed In Toronto

korean dollar store toronto
Instagram/@mumusoindia

Who doesn’t love dollar stores? In this economy, finding anything that’s a bargain is pretty amazing so when we see something available for cheap, it’s basically love at first sight. Now, there’s a new Korean dollar store in town and we’re ready to get shopping. Korean-inspired dollar store, Mumuso has just opened its first location in Toronto at North York Centre. Continue reading.

Toronto’s First Chick-Fil-A Location Is Revealed

Chick-fil-a toronto opening
Chick-fil-A

Over the past handful of years, we’ve seen more and more American companies infiltrate the Canadian market. We’ve seen in it retail, and we’ve seen it with many fast-food and restaurant chains as well. Notable eateries like The Cheesecake Factory,  Cauldron Ice Cream, and Chin Chin have crossed the border. In the upcoming years, Toronto will also see a Nobu open their doors. But one of the most talked about openings has easily been fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A. Continue reading.

Gymboree Is Closing All Of Its Stores Across Canada

gymboree comeback canadian retail 2019
Flickr/Phillip Pessar

Gymboree has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in two years. In January 2019, it was announced that the children’s wear retailer was successful in its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company plans to close all of its Gymboree locations in Canada and the United States, as well as its Crazy 8 brand in the United States. Continue reading.

Dollarama Has Officially Opened Online Store In Canada

canadian retail 2019 discount retailers
Square One

If you’re anything like us and don’t like wasting your time and money while shopping, you’ll be happy to know that Canada’s largest dollar store chain, Dollarama, launched its online store in January 2019. That means that starting today you can stock up on hundreds of Dollarama products from the comfort of your home and get them delivered right to your doorstep. Continue reading.

Take A Peek Inside Eataly’s First Canadian Location In Toronto

store openings 2019 canadian retail 2019
Instagram/@eatalytoronto

If your budget won’t allow you to travel all the way to Italy, then a visit to Canada’s first Eataly location at Bay and Bloor, in the newly renovated Manulife Centre, is most definitely the next best thing. Eataly Toronto opened in November 2019 and ever since, the 50,000 square foot space has been chock full with foodies alike who are filled to the brim with excitement. Continue reading.

Forever 21 Is Closing All Of Its Canadian Stores

forever 21 canadian retail 2019
StyleDemocracy

This was another big story for Canadian retail 2019. At the end of September 2019, Forever 21 announced that it will be closing all of its Canadian locations. 44 Forever 21 stores closed across the country, including locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, and more. According to Retail-Insider, Forever 21 closed close to 880,000-square-feet of retail space in Canada. Continue reading.

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2019 so far has seen the closure of many stores in Canada, including Forever21, Payless ShoeSource, Town Shoes, Home Outfitters, and our last two Zellers locations. However, we’ve also acquired some exciting and long-awaited international brands in the North this year too, balancing the scales. Though retail sales amounted to $225.8 billion in Ontario alone at the end of September, the entire country’s retail sales growth is supposedly heading for a depressing 10-year low. Hopefully, the new shopping destinations that have arrived will reverse the odds of that happening. 

With that said, here are 10 retailers that opened their doors in Canada throughout 2019. Let’s cross our fingers and pray they stick around for a while. 

Valentino

store openings 2019
Instagram/@yorkdalestyle

Luxury Italian fashion house Valentino opened the doors to its first Canadian flagship store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre this past March. The new store occupies a large 4,700 square foot space that’s filled to the brim with the brand’s ready-to-wear offerings, accessories, leather goods, and shoes.  

Furla

store openings 2019
Instagram/@yorkdalestyle

Just this past fall, Italian brand Furla opened its first Canadian location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The luxury brand is well known for its handbags, shoes, jewellery, sunglasses, and watches. This new store is all part of the brands global expansion strategy and we’re looking forward to seeing where Furla goes next!

Eataly

store openings 2019
Instagram/@eatalytoronto

With locations already in Japan and Turkey, the much anticipated Eataly has finally landed in Toronto at the Manulife Centre on Bloor Street. With 50,000 (!) square feet of high-quality Italian goodies, (a.k.a heaven), Eataly has several different cafes, restaurants, takeaway counters, and a finely curated marketplace to shop. You can also enjoy cooking classes and hard-to-resist complimentary tastings in store. 

L.L. Bean

store openings 2019
StyleDemocracy

U.S. specialty outdoor retailer L.L. Bean took over a massive 14,205 square foot retail space that was vacated by Toronto-based grocery chain Pusateri’s Fine Foods at Oakville Place. The new L.L. Bean store is selling its functional accessories, outdoor essentials, and cozy clothing that will have you prepared for any outdoor adventures.

Reformation

store openings 2019
Michael Muraz

Ref girls, unite! This celeb-loved, L.A.-based brand cut the ribbons outside its first Canadian location in July, bringing its cult-like following to Yorkdale Mall. The 100 per cent carbon-neutral company is supplying sustainable basics and timeless styles to the masses, promoting slow-fashion processes at a fast fashion pace. 

Balenciaga

store openings 2019
Instagram/@mdlnyc

Another luxury fashion house, Balenciaga, expanded into Canada this year with its first standalone storefront in Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. In its open-concept space, the Kering-owned French brand is selling a range of accessories, footwear, and streetwear. A few more Balenciaga boutiques are said to be opening as the company sees growth in the Canadian market.  

MUMUSO

store openings 2019
Instagram/@mumuso_ca

Dollarama has a rival to compete with now that MUMUSO opened its first Toronto location at the North York Centre in July. With another two locations in Vancouver, the bargain retailer sells children’s products, apparel, accessories, kitchen items, bags, stationery, skincare, and cosmetic goods that are super-low cost.

Innisfree

store openings 2019
Instagram/@frannytravels

Along with all the other international big-hitters that opened in Yorkdale Shopping Centre this summer, “naturalism-oriented” K-beauty brand Innisfree took over a 2,500 square foot space in the mall. The South-Korean brand has made clean-er beauty and skincare products more available to Torontonians, as 80 per cent of the company’s ingredients are natural.

Ximivogue

store openings 2019
Instagram/@ximivogue.official

Chinese-owned variety store Ximivogue opened its first Canadian location at CF Fairview Mall earlier this year. The retailer sells about 7,000 Korean products at relatively low prices, including household goods, clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, beauty products, and toys. 

By CHLOE.

store openings 2019
Instagram/@sarahbokim

Expansions to Canada aren’t just for fashion retailers. American vegan chain by CHLOE. made a big splash when it landed at Yorkdale Shopping Centre a few months back. Serving up tasty versions of comfort classics like nachos, hot dogs, burgers, mac & cheese, and more, by CHLOE. needs to be on your must-eat list!

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If your budget won’t allow you to travel all the way to Italy, then a visit to Canada’s first Eataly location at Bay and Bloor, in the newly renovated Manulife Centre, is most definitely the next best thing.

Eataly Toronto opened last week and ever since, the 50,000 square foot space has been chock full with foodies alike who are filled to the brim with excitement.

eataly toronto
Instagram/@eatalytoronto

“Toronto has an incredibly strong food culture and is home to the fourth-largest Italian population outside of Italy, making the city a natural fit for a store location,” says Nicola Farinetti, CEO of Eataly North America in a release. 

“We’re not a food hall or only a market or a restaurant. Eataly is an experience that encourages guests to Eat, Shop and Learn authentic Italian food. We invite Canadians to taste our delicious dishes in our restaurants, learn about Italian cuisine, and shop local Canadian and Italian products – at the best value and highest quality – and to recreate the authentic Italian recipes at home. At Eataly Toronto, we will also feature a curated selection of ready-made dishes to take away.” 

eataly toronto
Eataly Toronto

While you can of course get all your grocery shopping done at Eataly, don’t think that’s where the fun stops. There are 7 unique food counters, 4 restaurants, 2 cafés, an in-house brewery, and of course, a Mercato for all your fresh produce.

In addition to all the authentic Italian goodies you can pick up, this is also the store to go to if you’re looking for fresh pulled mozzarella, top-quality proscuitto, or local fish from Diana’s Seafood.

The store has over three floors and allows for guests to explore all 20 regions of Italy that connect to the store’s pillar themes: Shop, Eat, and Learn.

eataly toronto
Eataly Toronto

How exactly do you learn at a grocery store? Well, at La Scuola di Eataly, there are a variety of hands-on cooking classes and educational events taking place so you can finally learn how to make fresh pasta like a pro!

Because Eataly Toronto is located in the fast-paced hub of Yorkville, the store has the brand’s largest selection of takeaway offerings in the Pronto section. Think ready-made salads, pizzas, tasty paninis, and decadent desserts, for example.

Looking for a meal like no other? Head to any one of Eataly’s four sit-down restaurants.

Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Get your Italian fix at La Pizza & La Pasta, enjoy a seafood-centred meal at La Pescheria, experience Italian street food at La Piazza, and coming in Winter 2020 is Trattoria Milano, a regional inspired restaurant.

This in-house brewery is a special collaboration with special partnership with brewer Indie Ale House and features an exclusive refreshing Italian Pilsner, as well as a rotating beer selection inspired by all the fresh ingredients at the Mercato.

eataly toronto
Eataly Toronto

Did you know that you can grab a cold one at Eataly Toronto? That’s right — head down to the concourse level to visit the Birroteca — Eataly’s in-house brewery.

Eataly Toronto is open 7 days a week and the hours are:

Il Gran Caffè: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
La Pizza e La Pasta: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
La Piazza & La Pescheria: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mercato: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fresh Counters: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Birroteca: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Take a peek inside Eataly Toronto:

eataly toronto
Eataly Toronto
eataly toronto
Eataly Toronto
eataly toronto
Eataly Toronto
eataly toronto
Eataly Toronto
Eataly toronto
Eataly Toronto

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As the weather gets chillier, our human instinct is to crawl into our beds and hibernate for the season.

But this month, there are so many great new store and restaurant openings happening in the greater Toronto area — the opportunity to go out and explore what’s new definitely outweighs cold weather-induced introversion…at least for us!

If you’re on the hunt for what’s new and happening, check out our top 10 picks of the best new store and restaurant openings in Toronto and beyond.

LOV

November Toronto Restaurant Openings
Instagram/@lovrestaurant

Calling all foodies! A new plant-based resto has opened at 620 King St. West and it’s giving us all the best vibes. At LOV, freshness and flavour are a the centre of everything. With plush booths and greenery hanging from the ceiling, this spot is perfect for your next brunch, lunch, or dinner date.

CLEMENTINE’S

new stores toronto
Inside CLEMENTINE’S, photo by StyleDemocracy

Housed in a beautiful historic mansion in Rosedale is CLEMENTINE’S, a modern boutique founded by mother-daughter duo Christina and Kelly McDowell. The boutique, which recently relocated, features exclusive made-for-store womenswear from Canadian designers, like Narces and UNTTLED, ready-to-wear from international labels like MS MIN, Iro, and Vince, to name a few, and beautifully curated homewares sourced from around the globe. Visit the new CLEMENTINE’S location at 1054 Yonge St.

Neo Coffee Bar

November Toronto Restaurant Openings
Instagram/@neocoffeebarto

Opening its second Toronto location is Neo Coffee Bar. The modern Japanese-inspired bakery and cafe opened at College and Bay at the end of October and features a variety of Japanese coffee and matcha, Neo Chouz cream puffs, sandwiches, muffins, and more. We suggest the house-made roll cakes if you’re looking for a little pick-me-up!

Knix

Knix toronto
Instagram/@hypepr

Popular Canadian intimates brand Knix has found itself a permanent home on Toronto’s vibrant Queen St. West. The stunning new flagship is clean and bright, featuring orange and yellow tones, a mural by Toronto-based artist Leia Bryans, and a set of change rooms tucked away for extra privacy. Head to the new shop at 630 Queen St. West to browse Knix’s line of bras, tank tops with built-in cups, leak proof underwear, comfy loungewear, and more.

WINNERS, Mavis and Britannia

north heartland winners

A second Heartland Town Centre WINNERS is now open in Mississauga! Located at 765 Britannia Road, the new WINNERS is absolutely massive, standing at 28,000-square-feet. It features an expanded beauty section, a well-stocked contemporary section, tons of winter outerwear, and much, much more. The best part yet? It’s just a stone’s throw away from the Mavis and Matheson location, so you can hit up both!

Nügateau

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cSgYPBVt-/

Another new Mississauga gem to check out is Nügateau at Square One Shopping Centre. The éclair-only patisserie is a dessert lover’s dream. Marking its third location, visitors can try seasonal fall flavours like S’more éclair with milk chocolate crémeux, marshmallow fluff, and graham cracker, and a Stéphanie Tatin éclair filled with vanilla pastry cream and topped with caramelized apples and 24k gold leaf. Our mouths are watering!

WINNERS, Liberty Village

Instagram/@winners

If the new WINNERS in Mississauga is too far of a trek for you, don’t fret! Another downtown Toronto location has opened in Liberty Village. Located on the second floor at King St. West and Jefferson, the 1100 King St. West location is filled with everything from the latest in fashion and accessories, footwear, homewares, and much more.

Eataly Canada

Instagram/@eatalytoronto

One of the most anticipated launches of the entire year is almost here! Eataly will finally be opening its doors to the public on November 13 at 5 p.m. at 55 Bloor St. West. The grand opening will feature complimentary tastings and giveways — don’t miss out on being the first to check the new 50,000-square-feet space out!

Under Armour

Courtesy of Under Armour

The first-ever Canadian Under Armour Brand House is now open in Toronto! Located on the bottom floor of CF Toronto Eaton Centre, the flagship features all of the brand’s latest innovations and will be the source of exclusive Under Armour drops.

KitKat Chocolatory

November Toronto Restaurant Openings
Instagram/@kitkatcanada

This month, Toronto is getting its very first KitKat Chocolatory. Opening on November 14 in Yorkdale Shopping Centre, visitors will be able to create their own custom KitKat bars, experience the first-of-its-kind KitKat Chocolatory Chef’s Table, and more.

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Attention all foodies. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Eataly is officially opening the doors to its first Canadian location in Toronto and we couldn’t be more excited.

Eataly Toronto is set to open on November 13th at 5 p.m.

Opening day at Eataly is set to be an exciting one. The brand is suggesting folks arrive early to be one of the first guests to browse the store’s stellar market, chat with a few its producers, and enjoy complimentary tastings. There might even be a few giveaways to take part in.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B34XWMeBPme/

That’s right — in less than 22 days you can head to Italy without needing a passport. The 50,000 square foot space, located inside the Manulife Centre and it will be three floors of pure deliciousness.

Don’t expect Eataly Toronto to be just a place to do your weekly grocery shop either. The foodie destination boasts a fresh market, four restaurants, a whopping 6 cafes and bars, and even a space for cooking classes.

As if things couldn’t get any more exciting, Eataly Toronto is even going to play host to an on-site brewery. The Globe & Mail reports that Indie Alehouse has partnered with the Eataly Toronto for its nanobrewery inside the store.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2fFzNrBgTd/

Need more Eataly? There’s reportedly a chance that Toronto could be home to a second Eataly location.

toronto-eataly-opening
Instagram/@eatalytoronto

In an interview with the Financial Post, Andrea Guerra, Eataly’s executive president, was asked about the brands plan is for an expansion across Canada. “First of all, Toronto probably—being the largest city—could host a second Eataly,” said Guerra. “And then, between Montreal and Vancouver, there could be another Eataly.” 

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When it comes to the food scene in Toronto, there’s one public relations company that always has their finger on the pulse.

BPR Inc. (formerly Butter Public Relations Inc.) has worked with some of the biggest restaurants, celebrities, and brands in the industry. From The Cheesecake Factory Canada and Lagostina to Jackson Family Wines and Eataly, BPR is the company working behind the scenes to ensure each client gets the exposure they deserve.

shawn rusich

Leading BPR Inc. is Founder and Principal Shawn Rusich. A Windsor, Ontario native, Rusich attended College LaSalle in Montreal for fashion design and briefly attended McGill before landing a full-time marketing position with an international fashion brand.

His passion for marketing led him to Paris, France, where he worked in marketing and sales at Chloé. But with a drive start something on his own, Rusich moved to Toronto to build his own empire and BPR Inc. was born.

We had the opportunity to talk to Shawn Rusich about working with Martha Stewart and his advice to those looking to get into the industry. Take a peek below!

shawn rusich
Eating Cacio e Pepe in Rome at Flavio al Velavevodetto (Photo Credit: Christine Caruso)

What was your first job and how did it help you grow into the person you are now? 

My very first job was at a mini-golf course. After working there for a few weeks, I left to work at McDonald’s. I think everyone should work in the fast food industry for a period of time; it really helped me understand organization, process and procedure.  

What does an average day look like for you? 

My days are consistently inconsistent. If I’m in the office, I’m typically working on all of the things that make a company operate. I run payroll, deal with taxes, vendor invoices, accounting, etc. On the flip side, I also work on the creative side collaborating with the team on product send-outs, events, ideation, strategic planning, and new business.  

shawn rusich
Shawn with friends at the Interior Design Show (Photo Credit:Ryan Emberley)

You’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of great brands. What’s your advice to someone looking to attract the same caliber of clients? 

I’ve been fortunate enough to curate a list of incredible clients, but that wasn’t always the case. I think what’s most important is choosing to work with brands that you’re passionate about, because you’ll do better work if you really believe in the client. It may not always be a possibility depending on the growth of the company, but it certainly is the ideal.

What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received? 

Put 100% into everything, given the time you have to do it. 

Massimo Bottura
Shawn with Massimo Bottura at Osteria Francescanca, Modena Italy

What has been the most memorable moment of your career? 

There have been many incredible milestones since BPR Inc. was founded! Working with Martha Stewart to promote her 80th cookbook was huge, and landing our most recent client Eataly, was a real “OMG!” moment. It was exciting because it’s a brand that myself and the team have admired for years. I’m really looking forward to working with them to introduce Canadians to this unique concept.

Shawn Rusich
Shawn introducing Martha Stewart at the Delicious Food Show (Photo Credit: Will Wong)

What are some exciting things we can expect from BPR Inc.?

We’re always evolving and growing. We have new clients, international in addition to Canadian, who are doing incredible things! We strive to outdo ourselves with every event, product launch, and program we put together. Our team continues to grow, adding the best talent out there. From account management, creative, event planners and operations, we’re excited to be taking the next step. 

To keep up with Shawn Rusich and BPR Inc., follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

It’s no secret that Canada is a highly attractive market for international retailers. Every year we see dozens of new brands expanding to Canada in hopes of capturing the fast-growing and competitive new market.

And even though 2018 wasn’t the most successful year, with many local and international retailers filing for bankruptcy and closing their stores for good, there are still plenty of highly-anticipated bricks-and-mortar store openings waiting for us in 2019.

From restaurants to retail stores, below you will find some of the most anticipated international brands and retailers that will be opening stores in Toronto this year.

Eataly

Italian food concept Eataly represents a lively open-concept European market where visitors can shop, taste, and learn about high-quality Italian food at fair prices. Eataly will be offering everything from everyday groceries, cured meats, a selection of homemade cheeses to cooking workshops and in-shop eateries. As we reported earlier, Eataly will be a part of a $100 million Manulife Centre expansion and will span 50,000 square feet, and is slated to open some time in 2019. Founded by Italian Native, Oscar Farinetti, the first location was opened in Torino, Italy in 2007. Currently, there are Eataly outposts in such countries as Japan, China, and America, with locations opening in Australia, England, and more.

Chick-Fil-A

If you’re a fan of breaded chicken sandwiches and chicken in general, this news is for you! Last year the iconic American restaurant chain Chick-fil-A announced plans to open more than a dozen restaurants in Canada over the next few years and we couldn’t be more excited. The first Toronto location is set to open in the GTA this year at Bloor and Yonge. At the moment the company operates more than 2,300 restaurants in the United States.

L.L. Bean

international brands toronto

Instagram/ @llbean

This American company that specializes in clothing and outdoor recreation equipment was launched in 1912 in Freeport, Maine. The company started with just one product: their famous Maine Hunting Shoe (also known as Bean Boots). While there are no standalone L.L. Bean stores in Canada yet, the brand already launched a Canadian e-commerce site and is currently selling its products at 24 Canadian retailers including Sporting Life, MEC, and SportChek. You can expect to see the store open at Oakville Place, where it will reportedly be taking over the old Pusateri’s space later this year.

Innisfree

innisfree toronto

Instagram/@lilynotlouise

Innisfree is an all-natural cosmetic brand based in South Korea with over hundreds of stores across the globe, which promotes 33 health, beauty, and personal brands. The company’s concept is “Clean Island, where clean nature and healthy beauty coexist happily.” Innisfree uses 80% natural ingredients, and the best part is that all their products are fairly affordable, ranging from $20-30. Expect to see the K-beauty brand’s first Canadian store to open at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2019.

Reformation

reformation toronto opening

StyleDemocracy

Calling all cool girls! Popular sustainable L.A.-based brand Reformation is going international, with its first retail location outside of the United States based in Canada. Reformation opened its doors to Canadians at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in July 2019 and shoppers can expect to see the brand’s beautiful dresses, denim, footwear, and more.

HEMA Amsterdam

HEMA Amsterdam

Facebook/HEMA

Known for its high-quality design and competitive pricing, HEMA is a popular European retailer that sells household goods, beauty products, clothing, and more. Earlier this year, the value-based retailer announced that it would be launching in Ontario later this year through a partnership with Walmart. If all goes to plan, you’ll soon start to see HEMA stores inside of larger form Walmart stores.

Ximivogue 

It seems like many value-based variety retailers have eyes set on Canada this year, as Korean-inspired Ximivogue is reportedly opening stores at both Sherway Gardens and CF Fairview Mall later this year. Expect to see lots of beauty and skincare, home accessories, electronics and home decor all at low prices.

MUMUSO

korean dollar store toronto

Instagram/@mumuso_ca

And Ximivogue isn’t the only Korean-inspired variety Torontonians will be able to shop this year. MUMUSO, a Korean-inspired dollar store, opened its first Canadian location in July 2019 at the North York Centre. Though the brand is based in China, its business and products are marketed as Korean. Offerings include apparel, kitchen items, accessories, and much more.

Featured image: Facebook/HEMA

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If you’re on the hunt for a job in the restaurant or retail industry, we’ve got an exciting opportunity for you!

A much anticipated Italian all-in-one grocery market, restaurant, bakery, enoteca, and cheese shop is hiring hundreds of people for its Canadian debut.

Eataly Toronto is hosting a massive job fair on June 28, 2019.

Opening at the Manulife Centre later this year, Eataly is looking to fill over 400 culinary, hospitality, and retail professionals to join its team in Toronto. The job fair is taking place at 1499 Yonge Street between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and will give job hunters the opportunity to chat with Eataly’s team, interview, and learn more about the positions on offer.

The open call is for a number of different positions, including restaurant managers, chefs, bakery manager, and a beverage manager, to name a few.

They’re also looking for graphic designers, quick service managers, a warehouse manager, servers, bussers, cashiers, and an artisanal cheese and salumi manager, which, to be honest, sounds like a dream job.

If you’re interested in checking the Eataly Toronto job fair out, just make sure to apply online beforehand, and bring a hard copy of your resume with you on the day of.

eataly toronto job fair

Instagram/@eatalygram

Toronto will be Eataly’s first Canadian location.

So, if you do get a job after attending the job fair, you’ll be a part of culinary history! Plus, there are probably some pretty cool work perks to be had.

Torontonians are in for a treat when Eataly opens later this year. The restaurant slash grocer is meant to transport visitors to the outdoor markets in Italy. There will be multiple restaurants, bars, and places inside Eataly to grab authentic eats, spanning over three floors and 50,000-square-feet.

While there’s still no official word on when Eataly will open to the public, the hunt to fill positions make us feel like it’s not so far away.

Featured image: Eataly frontage on Bloor at the newly renovated Manulife Centre (CNW Group/Eataly)

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