PHOTOS: Here is Everything That’s Coming to the New Food District in Square One in Mississauga

Square One is no stranger to grand-scale expansion projects that fundamentally alter the look, feel and appeal of the city’s biggest–and best known–shopping centre.

And this year, it’s welcoming several huge new stores and features to the fold.

The mall, which, according to a recent Retail Council of Canada report, attracts 23 million visitors a year, is moving forward on its massive west expansion project.

And this project is big.

In the summer of 2018, Square One announced the project, which will include a modern and on-trend Food District.

Square One said the $580 million redevelopment is one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in North America. 

Construction on the addition, which will take shape in the former Target area, is already underway.

While we don’t yet know exactly how many retailers will flock to the mall as the project moves forward, we do know that a few big name brands have already announced plans to set up shop in the brand new space. 

One of the biggest additions to Square One’s roster is the Rec Room, a Cineplex-owned entertainment complex that revealed its plan to open in Square One in 2017.

Another highly-anticipated development?

The aforementioned Food District.

The almost 40,000 sq. ft. Food District, intended to provide an elevated experience for foodie tourists and locals alike, is opening on April 1, 2019. It’ll focus on offering local, handmade and high-quality foods in a setting that embraces both new- and old-world food emporiums. It’ll offer restaurants, a butchershop, a fishmonger, food tastings, cooking classes and more. 

And now, after a tour of the space, we know exactly who will be calling the beautiful space home this spring.

Square One says the innovative space will provide an authentic experience for foodie tourists and locals alike and will feature everything from pies from The Pie Commission and authentic Italian pasta from Dal Moro’s Pasta to gourmet chips from Craft Chippery.

The Food District will also be home to the District Kitchen, an interactive demonstration space housing cooking classes, dinner parties, corporate and other special events. 

“Square One has been a key part of the Mississauga community for over 45 years and the Centre has grown with the city; continuously evolving to provide an innovative destination to explore fashion, food, lifestyle and entertainment,” says Square One director and general manager Greg Taylor. “We are thrilled to continue to invest in the area and the prosperity of its residents, while also creating over 250 job opportunities with this addition. The Food District will house gourmet artisans in a space where guests can enjoy and share their food experiences.”

So, what food vendors can you expect to see at the District?

Arvinda’s – Purveyors of easy-to-use, pre-packaged Indian spice blends.

Bake Three Fifty – Build-your-own cupcakes, ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes.

Blackjack BBQ – Best known for its Sweet Whisky Pork Ribs and Dinosaur Beef Ribs. 

Blossom Moments – Gorgeous bouquets, with arrangements for any occasion. 

BRØD – Authentic Danish pastry house.

Craft Chippery – Where fresh, gourmet chips are made right in front of your eyes.

Chocollata Gourmet – Specializing in Brazilian brigadeiros.

Dal Moro’s Pasta – Authentic pasta, made from scratch.

Hale Coffee – Toronto-based specialty coffee roaster.

Kingston Olive Oil Co. – Quality cooking oils, such as roasted almond and black truffle.

La Carnita – Well-known to-go Mexican food.

MidiCi – Authentic Neapolitan pizza maker.

The Pie Commission – Popular, mouth-watering pies such as Beef’n Beer and Butter Chicken.

Pier 87 Fish Market & Grill – Providing top quality, sustainable seafood. 

Sugar King Factory – Destination for candy, chocolate and anything sweet.

Sweet Jesus – Locally famous ice cream shop with experiential flavour options.

Tao Tea Leaf – Providing over 180 varieties of tea.

The Box Donut – The finest and most decadent donuts.

Village Juicery – The go-to, cold-pressed juice destination.

Other restaurants include:

Plancha – Original, open-flamed Spanish cooking. 

Seed to Sausage – Charcuterie plate master, providing locally made, artisanal cured meats.

The Macaroon Boutique – Picture-perfect French desserts.

Over the past year, Square One has introduced over 40 new retailers to its roster of brands. 

Having topped $1 billion in sales, Square One os one of the most productive shopping centres in North America. According to a recent Retail Council of Canada report, Square One boasts a sales per square foot of $1,086.

It’s one of the top 10 most profitable shopping centers in Canada.