Eaton’s department stores in the early to mid-20th century all housed some grocery retail, as did those of its competitors, says a National Post feature.
Department store groceterias, food departments, fine food counters all but disappeared in Canada but still exist in Europe and Asia.
Fast forward to today: Canada got its first in more than half a century, with the launch of Pusateri’s Food Hall at the new Saks Fifth Avenue at Sherway Gardens in Toronto.
Two years ago, Saks’ then-president, Marigay McKee, wanted to bring a different twist, something that’s been missing in the market, says Stephane Ledoux, regional vice-president for Saks Fifth Avenue in Canada in the National Post. “There was (an idea) of ‘let’s bring the service experience to another level, and bring in an element of culinary arts.’ ”
The chain partnered with Pusateri’s, the 50-year-old Toronto grocery retailer, known its affluent clientele.
On March 7, the 18,500-sq-ft Saks Food Hall opened at Sherway Gardens in Toronto’s west end.
– Nutella Café by Pusateri’s: an exclusive assortment of fresh, handmade crepes and unique delicacies featuring Nutella®, all specially crafted by the Pusateri’s Kitchen Team
– Pusateri’s Sushi Bar: an eclectic mix of exclusive high-end sushi creations made to match the luxe ambiance of the Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s
– Champagne and Raw Bar: with top-shelf champagne, artisanal red and white wines, and craft beer alongside cheese and charcuterie platters, seafood towers, and rotating tapas menus by Pusateri’s Corporate Chef Tony Cammalleri
– Pusateri’s Cafe: exclusive coffee blends roasted just for Pusateri’s, loose-leaf teas, and freshly baked goods
– Pingue Prosciutto Bar: showcasing a collection of local charcuterie by Pingue Prosciutto, sliced fresh for eat-in or take-away
– Pusateri’s Signature Spatchcock Rotisserie: using a state-of-the-art rotisserie procured in France, Pusateri’s will offer internationally inspired varieties of naturally raised, grass-fed Ontario chickens
– Greenhouse Juice: Raw, 100% organic cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, probiotic tonics, and plant-based snacks that taste as great as they make you feel, from Canada’s leading cold-pressed juice company.
– La Cucina: full-service hot food counter with innovative and trendsetting recipes developed by the Pusateri’s Kitchen Team
– Pusateri’s Own Prepared Foods: features a wide variety of grab-and-go single and family sized offerings, as well as a breadth of premium proteins, creatively prepared daily by Pusateri’s Kitchen Team
– Catering: renowned catering services featuring a la carte, corporate, holiday, private, event and kid-friendly menus
– Meat: focuses on ethically sourced proteins such as antibiotic-free beef and pork, organic chicken, wagyu beef, Washington State lamb, and white veal
– Produce: will feature local, seasonal, and organic fruits and vegetables sourced from the top suppliers and reflecting Pusateri’s award-winning reputation of offering only the best produce
– Cheese: artisanal local cheeses, international award-winners, and unique and rare formaggi
– Deli: nitrate-free and reduced sodium offerings will be sliced alongside the best local and artisanal deli meats
– Pastry: features a best-in-class showcase of local, national, and international producers, like Blackbird Baking Co., Forno Cultura, The Macaron Boutique, The Tempered Room, David H. Chow, Chocosol, Chocolate x Brandon Olsen, Sweet Flour Bake Shop, Shockingly Healthy!, Dessert Trends Bakery, Venchi, The Cheesecake Factory, and Bakerberry
– Products: globally-sourced grocery products from world-renowned brands like John Kelly Chocolates, Angelina Paris, Louis Sherry, Sipp, Mariebelle, Dragees Hatziyiannakis, Gracie & I, Ines Rosales, La Giardiniera Di Morgon, Maya Kaimal, Pickled Pink Foods, Tonewood, Premiato Pastificio Afeltra Pasta Artigianale, Holmsted Fines, etc.
Read full story in National Post here.
© 2024 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
