The Montreal Eaton Centre, owned by Ivanhoé Cambridge and centrally located in downtown Montréal, has announced an exciting project to revitalize its food court. This transformation will further enhance the shopping centre’s culinary offerings, complementing its existing gems, such as the Time Out Market and Le Restaurant du 9e. Scheduled for unveiling in Fall 2026, the project reflects Ivanhoé Cambridge’s commitment to innovation and customer experience at its flagship Québec property.
Located on the concourse level of the Centre, the revamped food court will become a focal point for food enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of diverse cuisines. Combining new-to-Canada dining concepts with established favourites, this space is designed to attract visitors from Montréal and beyond, solidifying the Centre Eaton de Montréal as a premier destination for fast casual dining.
Elevating the Dining Experience
The new food court will be a welcoming space designed to accommodate various dining preferences. Whether visitors seek a quick meal during a shopping break or a place to gather with friends and family, the revamped space will cater to all needs.
“This revitalization is about more than just design—it’s about enhancing the customer journey and reinforcing the Centre Eaton de Montréal’s role as a vibrant hub in the city’s commercial and cultural landscape,” said Annie Houle, Managing Director, Real Estate – Canada at CDPQ/Ivanhoé Cambridge. “Our investment in this project underscores our commitment to creating memorable urban experiences while supporting local and international retailers.”
The project promises a blend of innovative and sustainable design. By incorporating elements that reflect Montréal’s unique urban and cultural identity, the food court will set a new standard for dining in commercial centres. From furniture and layout to lighting and decor, every detail is being considered to create an inspiring and comfortable environment.
Sustainable and Inclusive Design
Sustainability is a key focus of the revitalization. From energy-efficient lighting to eco-friendly materials, the design aims to minimize environmental impact while creating a modern and vibrant aesthetic.
Additionally, the layout will encourage social interaction, offering ample seating areas that invite diners to linger and enjoy their surroundings.
The three-phase project rollout ensures minimal disruption to current food court operations. Existing retailers will remain open during renovations, maintaining an uninterrupted experience for visitors while preparing them for the upgraded space’s grand debut.
JLL’s Role in the Transformation
JLL, a global leader in commercial real estate and investment management, is managing the food court revitalization. The company’s expertise in retail property management and large-scale commercial projects is instrumental in bringing the ambitious vision to life.
“The revitalization of the Centre Eaton de Montréal food court represents a significant step in redefining excellence within downtown Montréal’s commercial real estate landscape,” said Johanne Marcotte, Executive Vice President, Portfolio Management, Retail at JLL. “Our team is proud to play a key role in this transformative project, ensuring its success while maintaining the Centre Eaton de Montréal’s reputation as a premier shopping and dining destination.”
A Gateway to Montréal’s Underground City
The Centre Eaton de Montréal is also a gateway to the city’s iconic underground network, which connects various buildings and metro stations across downtown. With direct access to McGill station, the Centre draws nearly 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the busiest commercial spaces in Canada.
In addition to its retail offerings, the Centre hosts some of the city’s most sought-after tenants, including Canada’s only Time Out Market, Montréal’s first Uniqlo, and Décathlon. Other major retailers such as Sephora, Nike, and Aritzia contribute to its diverse mix of nearly 125 shops and restaurants, solidifying its status as a key destination for locals and tourists alike.
Ivanhoé Cambridge’s Continued Investments in Montréal
As part of Ivanhoé Cambridge’s broader strategy to enhance its flagship properties in Québec, the Centre Eaton de Montréal food court revitalization represents a significant investment in the city’s downtown core. This project follows several other initiatives aimed at improving urban spaces, including developments that blend commercial, cultural, and community-oriented features.
The real estate portfolio managed by Ivanhoé Cambridge spans across multiple asset types, including logistics, residential, office, and retail. Backed by CDPQ, the company’s commitment to creating sustainable and innovative spaces reflects its leadership in shaping the future of real estate.
