Empire watch: Oliver and Bonacini to open new restaurant at The Bay’s Queen Street flagship
The experience of eating at The Bay is about to get a whole lot snazzier. Canada’s oldest corporation is bringing in restaurateurs Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini to open new in-store eateries at various locations (the Bay’s existing restaurants will get revamped by another food services company). Much like she did by re-opening The Room last year, HBC CEO Bonnie Brooks is bringing in the proprietors of Biff’s and Canoe as a part of her efforts to nudge the retailer upmarket.
As part of the deal, the Oliver and Bonacini Group will get its hands on the Queen Street flagship’s art deco Arcadian Court, which the Bay is hoping will become “the most sought after private event venue in the city.” The deal also means the restaurant empire will have the opportunity to expand from its 11 GTA locations to select Bays across the country.
