Eataly has finally opened its doors in King of Prussia Mall, marking the debut of this Italian marketplace in the Philadelphia area. Spanning an impressive 21,000 square feet, the vibrant space offers an array of Italian culinary delights, including:
- Bread crumbs, sauces, and oils
- Savory wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano
- A tantalizing display of pastries and fresh pastas
- Hearty sandwiches, an assortment of cheeses, and various salumi
- Packaged snacks lining the aisles
- A refrigerated section stocked with caviar tins
Additionally, guests can enjoy a dedicated wine shop, coffee counters, gelato, and pizza, alongside a spacious 200-seat restaurant and an additional 90 outdoor seats.
Eataly officially opened its doors at 3 p.m. on Thursday, occupying the former locations of Rite Aid and Forever 21, with a convenient entrance near the Orange parking garage. Interest in the store has been palpable, especially since its arrival was first announced two years ago.
The Journey of Eataly
Eataly was born in 2007 when Oscar Farinetti, an electronics entrepreneur, transformed a decommissioned Carpano Vermouth factory in Turin into a culinary haven that not only showcased Italian food but also promoted the principles of the Slow Food movement. Among his early partners was chef Mario Batali, who shared in the growth of the brand until he relinquished his minority stake in 2019, following accusations of sexual harassment.
The concept made its way to New York City in 2010, slowly expanding to a current total of 60 stores globally. In 2015, Eataly looked into a potential site in Center City Philadelphia, but plans did not materialize. Instead, the business focused on opening new locations across major cities including Chicago, Toronto, Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Silicon Valley. A significant change occurred in 2022 when a European private equity firm acquired the majority ownership from the Farinetti family, paving the way for rapid expansion in North America.
The announcement of the King of Prussia location came in August 2023, shortly before Tommaso Brusò was appointed as Eataly North America’s first CEO. Before his role at Eataly, Brusò made his mark in the fashion industry, helping to manage brands such as Colorful Standard, Benetton, and Diesel.
A Unique Experience
Brusò regards Eataly as “a gate to Italy,” characterized by its blend of restaurants and quick-service retail counters. Inside, visitors can witness mozzarella being pulled and observe the baking of fresh bread and pastries right on the premises. The marketplace also features:
- Bins filled with locally sourced produce
- Refrigerated units showcasing a variety of cured and fresh meats
- Shelves loaded with packaged goods from Italian vendors
Most items are imported, but Brusò remains unfazed by the current volatility surrounding tariffs. “It’s something that [causes] turbulence,” he remarked, noting their adaptability in navigating the changes.
Eataly is also expanding its own product line, hawking branded items such as pasta and coffee, which they promote as gifts. “We are an Italian lifestyle brand,” Brusò emphasized, describing Eataly as encompassing “the Italian art of living.”
The King of Prussia outlet boasts around 3,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), a fraction of what’s found in a typical supermarket, further illustrating Eataly’s unique niche in the grocery market. Smaller Eataly Caffe locations are also being introduced in high-traffic areas like JFK Airport and Hudson Yards in New York.
Employing 200 staff members, the new store includes an educational component called La Scuola, which will host cooking classes, wine tastings, and exclusive dinners. However, specific programs are yet to be scheduled as management prioritizes a smooth opening. Starting this weekend, Eataly will celebrate its grand opening with ten days of events.
Staff education is a crucial element for Eataly; for example, wine shop employees are well-versed in an extensive collection of 450 Italian wines. Brusò does not see Eataly as a competitor to existing local Italian restaurants or grocery stores; instead, he frames it as an experience, stating, “We are more like entertainment. We are an alternative to [nonfood] shopping or even going to a movie theater.”
Brusò emphasized the importance of the Eataly experience, noting that the average customer tends to stay for over an hour. Eataly caters to a diverse clientele, including families, singles, and couples, offering a wide range of pricing options from affordable cappuccinos and pastries to pizzas priced between $21 and $30 and full restaurant meals like spaghetti al pomodoro for $23 and a shareable ribeye steak dish for $85.
“No matter what, it’s important to deliver value and a piece of culture,” Brusò concluded, highlighting Eataly’s commitment to quality and authenticity in the dining experience that awaits its visitors.
