Eataly Plans Chicago Location

CHICAGO — A second U.S. location for the Italian specialty food store Eataly is set to open here next year, developers said Wednesday.

The 60,000-square-foot location will open at the Shops of North Bridge on Michigan Avenue, according to Macerich, the Phoenix-based owner of the high-end mall.

The Eataly concept is a collaboration among celebrity chefs Joe Bastianich, Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich and Oscar Farinetti, who founded the first location in Turin, Italy, in 2007. The first U.S. location opened in New York in 2010. Eataly includes seven full-service eateries, as well as a cafe, wine shop, bakery and patisserie, and a culinary educational center. As a retailer, Eataly will also offer a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and fish, handmade pastas, desserts, baked goods, coffees and teas, as well as a selection of housewares and books, Italian dried pastas, canned goods, sauces and olive oils.

Read more: Eataly Offers Artisinal Italian Fare in NYC

"Eataly will bring its energy, food and local flair that is ideally suited for The Shops at North Bridge and downtown Chicago," said Guy Mercurio, vice president, Macerich's National Restaurant Group. "This location will be a signature attraction for food-focused Chicago residents, as well as the city's national and international visitors. Eataly exemplifies our commitment to bringing the best food experiences to Macerich properties across the country."