EATALY
TORONTO, ON
THE DESIGN PLAN
Since opening its first location out of a converted vermouth factory in Turin, Italy in 2007, Eataly has been an internationally renowned name in food and beverage. Eataly locations – now numbering over 40 in 15 different countries – all share similar features: they’re expansive in size, they combine a European marketplace with sit-down restaurants and cafes all under one roof, and they specialize in authentic Italian cuisine, wine, and products.
The first Eataly location in Toronto was set to become a major destination in a city with a thriving food culture – but disagreements with real estate landlords and neighbouring restaurant tenants, as well as construction delays put its opening on hold for several years. When Eataly Toronto finally opened in 2019, even the sky-high expectations from local foodies were blown away by the scale of the space, the quality of the products on offer, and the detailed Italian design by local firm Giannone Petricone, with all soft seating provided by RFP.
SCOPE OF WORK
RFP was responsible for working with Giannone Petricone, Eataly headquarters and construction firm Govan Brown to complete the following:
• Designing, manufacturing, and installing all soft seating throughout the 50,000 square feet retail and dining space
• Custom work with specialized materials signature to Eataly brand, including metal, wood, electrical accents and Italian leather
• Final installation within budget and deadline amidst a challenging construction environment
PROCESS
RFP worked closely with Eataly, Govan Brown and Giannone Petricone design and construction teams under challenging constraints to complete the project, including:
• Initial design briefings to confirm project scale, desired design details, specs, materials and construction timeline
• Multiple design mock-ups, prototypes and reviews with Eataly and Giannone Petricone for approval
• Close communication with Govan Brown construction to manoeuvre evolving construction timelines and installation challenges
• Final installation of custom soft seating items including benches, banquettes, and upholstered chairs
RESULT
• Key design feature of Eataly Toronto completed and installed without incident or disruption in challenging construction context • Soft seating in retail and dining areas manufactured to meet high design and functionality standards
• A celebrated and much-anticipated opening for Toronto food lovers
• A successful brand expansion for an international name in dining
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
Client – Govan Brown