The Hudson’s Bay Company wants to lure “die-hard foodies” through an upscale revamping of 24 in-store restaurants, part of a wider strategy to reposition as a higher-end department store.
The chain–which has recently introduced numerous chic clothing brands in an effort to change its image–said Wednesday it is partnering with upscale restaurant operator Oliver & Bonacini and food services company Compass Group Canada.
The Bay said it wants the restaurants to attract “die-hard foodies” as well as provide higher quality options for shoppers during breakfast, lunch and dinner. CEO Bonnie Brooks said consumers will have a number of options, and price points.
“We’re going to have a variety of what you could call ‘good-better-best’ dining experiences, so there will be everything from deli and takeout and pasta bar, morning coffee, bakery, straight through to elegant dining,” she said in a telephone interview.
The restaurants that will get makeovers are located across Canada, and include flagship locations in larger cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Winnipeg, as well as smaller locations like Moncton, Regina, and Kelowna, B.C.
Ontario-based Oliver & Bonacini will focus on flagship locations in major Canadian cities while Compass will handle technology and facelifts at smaller stores.
The Bay’s largest store on Queen Street in downtown Toronto will get renovations including a new conference facility, restaurant and food hall. The store’s Arcadian Court banquet hall will also be renovated.
Construction will begin in April and should be complete in 16 months.
