Photo:  www.designretailonline.com — *Photo: www.designretailonline.com*

Upscale Toronto-based Pusateri's Fine Foods will operate Saks Fifth Avenue's Canadian food halls. Saks' first two food stores will open in the spring of 2016 within Saks' Toronto Eaton Centre and Sherway Gardens stores.

The new Saks food halls will feature specialized sit-down options, as well as upscale food products and "a variety of engaging culinary stations – all showcased within a fresh and modern atmosphere", according to a press release.

Photo: http://thisisitjersey.com — *Photo: http://thisisitjersey.com*

Hudson's Bay Company CEO Richard Baker recently indicated that Saks' Canadian food halls will each measure about 25,000 square feet, and that they will be modelled on the famous food floor at Harrod's in London. Sources tell us that plans are in place for a large Saks food hall on the eastern half of the concourse level of the Hudson's Bay flagship in the Toronto Eaton Centre, with three floors for Saks directly above -- measuring a total of about 150,000 square feet. Saks will also open a 132,000 square foot location at Toronto's Sherway Gardens, with both locations scheduled to open in the spring of 2016.

*Saks' Sherway Gardens store will feature a Pusateri's-operated Saks food hall. Rendering: Cadillac Fairview.*

Saks Fifth Avenue will eventually open as many as eight Canadian locations. The company has confirmed that Saks stores will open in Vancouver and Montreal, though we have yet to learn of their exact locations. Saks could also possibly open a Calgary location, according to Mr. Baker.

*Sources say that a large Saks food hall will locate on the basement level of Hudson's Bay's Toronto Eaton Centre flagship, with three levels above for a luxurious Saks store. Photo: Darrell Bateman.*

Saks' food halls will face competition from Popular Italian food concept Eataly, which sources say could enter Canada through Holt Renfrew. Eataly is in the process of opening stores worldwide, and sources say that it has been in talks with multiple Toronto landlords. Eataly locations could follow in Montreal and Vancouver, according so sources familiar with the company.

Italian food concept Eataly is coming to Canada, according to sources. Photo: www.i-italy.org — *Italian food concept Eataly is coming to Canada, according to sources. Photo: www.i-italy.org*

Upscale Pusateri's Fine Foods operates three Toronto locations, with a fourth scheduled to open in late 2016 at Oakville Place, as part of its $30 million renovation/expansion. Pusateri’s is a premium grocer that also serves prepared foods and offers catering.

"We are thrilled to partner with Pusateri's as our food purveyor for the exciting launch of Saks Fifth Avenue in Canada," said Richard Baker, Governor and CEO, Hudson's Bay Company. "With their high standard of quality and exceptional selection of fine foods, Pusateri's will help to deliver an elevated customer experience synonymous with the Saks Fifth Avenue brand."

"Pusateri's is delighted to be working with Saks Fifth Avenue to operate the food hall installations for the world-renowned luxury retailer's Canadian expansion," says Frank Luchetta, President, Pusateri's Fine Foods. "Saks Fifth Avenue's superior dedication to exceptional quality and first-class customer service reflects the commitment to client care Pusateri's holds at its core."