Coffee enthusiasts in Toronto have something to celebrate as the renowned Japanese coffee brand, % Arabica, has graced the city with its presence. After a successful launch at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2022, % Arabica is expanding its foothold in Canada by opening its second location in downtown Toronto’s Union Station.
With its commitment to providing the world’s best coffee and a unique coffee experience, the brand’s arrival in the heart of the city is sure to delight locals, commuters, and visitors alike.
A Prime Location and Unforeseen Hurdles:
With a staggering 300,000 daily commuters passing through Toronto Union Station, the location held undeniable potential for a thriving coffee business. Three years ago, % Arabica identified this vibrant spot, but their ambitions faced a significant obstacle—a major coffee giant had already initiated negotiations. Despite being the second choice initially, % Arabica’s unwavering passion and vision impressed the station’s leasing team, ultimately securing them the coveted space.
Weathering the Storm of COVID-19:
However, before the dream of a Union Station store could materialize, the unforeseen storm of the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The project faced substantial delays, testing % Arabica Canada team’s resolve. Yet, the team remained steadfast, weathering the challenges and uncertainties, and the dream of a flagship store at Union Station survived.
A Visionary Design Collaboration:
To bring their vision to life, % Arabica teamed up with the innovative minds of Tacklebox Architecture, based in New York. Tacklebox, known for their groundbreaking work, previously wowed the design world with Aesop’s first store in the United States, featuring an astonishing interior created using stacked old New York Times.
For % Arabica’s Union Station store, Tacklebox drew inspiration from Toronto’s rich geological history, particularly its formation by ancient glaciers. The result was a design that celebrated the region’s natural beauty with sideways stacked gypsum wallboard forming glacier-looking walls. This masterful design not only captivated visitors but also paid tribute to Toronto’s roots in a visually stunning manner.
A Milestone Achievement:
With immense excitement and pride, % Arabica opened the doors of their flagship store in Canada. This location marks the second store in the country and the 158th store globally. For commuters and coffee enthusiasts alike, % Arabica at Toronto Union Station offers a sanctuary to enjoy the world’s finest coffee amid the bustling transit hub.
All images in this article are courtesy of % Arabica.
