Eataly coming to Canada?

Italian food emporium Eataly may be one step closer to opening the doors of its first Canadian location.

Retail-Insider.com quotes an anonymous source saying Toronto has become a “high priority” for the company and that other Canadian cities like Montreal or Vancouver could some day also see Eataly in their downtown cores.

Rumours about Eataly crossing the border have been circulating for quite some time. Retail-Insider.com reported in February the retailer was in talks to partner with a large Canadian retailer, and Toronto’s Yorkville would be its ideal real estate.

Oscar Farinetti, Eataly’s founder, toured grocery stores across Toronto in 2010, potentially scoping out the city for a new location. However in February of this year,  it was reported that while Toronto is on its radar, Canadians shouldn’t expect to be graced with its presence for at least three years.

Eataly currently has 27 locations worldwide, but only two of them are in North America – the remainders are located in Italy, Japan, as well as one in both Dubai and Turkey.

Its format is inspired by the European food-hall concept – its massive stores are chock full of tasting areas and gourmet restaurants, to allow shoppers to taste and educate themselves about the products they buy.

Were an Eataly to open in Yorkville, it would certainly be in good company. High-end stores like Pusateri’s, Whole Foods and Bloor St. Market all occupy the area.