Photo Credit: @empty_quarter
It’s no secret we love our city, so naturally we enjoy Toronto’s waterfront, especially in the summer. But, it has seriously been lacking when it comes to a cool place to eat or hang out.
As the retail consultants working with Brookfield Properties on Queen’s Quay Terminal, we have spent the past few years working together to revitalize the retail component at the historic building.
Working with the landlord, our goal was to create a destination on Toronto’s iconic waterfront where people can come together and enjoy the food and vibe. The renovation at Queens Quay will not only draw the residents, the office workers, the 15 million people from the GTA or the two million tourists that visit the harbourfront every year, but also those working in the financial core and the event goers from the ACC and Rogers Centre.
The retail strategy is an integral part to the redevelopment. The past couple of years have been spent de-leasing and re-leasing the property, focusing on the right tenant mix. Selecting tenants that resonate with the changing demographics is key.
Say Hello to the new Queen’s Quay Terminal.
Sobey’s remains a strong anchor tenant to the complex and kick-started the revitalization with its expansion and renovation and Tim Horton’s also renovated and opened in new premises.
The long-standing restaurant tenants, Pearl Harbourfront (expected to open June 10) and Watermark Irish Pub (re-opening as The Goodman Pub and Kitchen), are both completing major renovations with a whole new look and feel.
Our goal in expanding the food offering at QQT was to bring in fast casual concepts.
The Goodman Pub and Kitchen – Designer: McMillan Design
Joe Bird will not be your average chicken joint and will offer a variety of chicken inspired dishes. They will also be serving some Instagram-worthy frozen treats from their ice cream concept, The Fix.
Joe Bird – Designer: Green Tangerine Design Inc.
The Pie Bar is an authentic Italian Pizzeria and Cocktail concept with an animated environment on the waterfront.
Pie Bar Pizzeria and Cocktails – Designer: Green Tangerine Design Inc.
What better place to work out than the waterfront? SWAT is a multi-disciplinary team consisting of personal trainers, chiropractors, physiotherapists and registered massage therapists. They are recognized for training world’s first class athletes.
Synergy Wellness Attitude Training – Designer: Giannone Petricone Associates Inc.
The completion of the renovation at QQT could not have better timing. The restaurants will be opening their doors throughout the summer in addition to celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary.
