Vancouver-Based Black+Blue Steakhouse to Open in Former Toronto Stock Exchange in the Financial District: Interview

Date:

Share post:

The iconic steakhouse brand Black+Blue, based in Vancouver and owned by the Glowbal Restaurant Group, will be opening its first Toronto establishment later this year, in a prime location at the Exchange Tower, in the First Canadian Place complex, in the heart of the city.

Emad Yacoub

“This year marks Glowbal Restaurant Group’s 20th anniversary, and what better way to mark this milestone than by returning home to Toronto where it all started. I am thrilled to be bringing our flagship restaurant and premier steakhouse, Black+Blue, to my hometown and to one of the city’s most iconic buildings – just steps away from where I started my career at the King Edward Hotel. I look forward to bringing old and new friends together at Black+Blue Toronto,” said Emad Yacoub, owner of the Glowbal Restaurant Group.

The restaurant was named one of Tripadvisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award Winners, which included the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide.

The prime location was leased by Beauleigh Retail Consultants, who exclusively handles the leasing of the property and the Glowbal Group was represented by Mario Negris, Senior Managing Director at Marcus & Millichap in Vancouver.

Former Toronto Stock Exchange in First Canadian Place (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
Black+Blue Vancouver (Image: Glowbal Restaurant Group)

Marcelle Rademeyer, President and CEO of Beauleigh said the restaurant will open in the space previously occupied by the Toronto Stock Exchange at The Exchange Tower. 

“This will be a first for the Glowbal Group in the Toronto market, which is important for us. They are first class operators and Emad, being originally from Toronto knows the market very well.

We’re excited for them to be opening their first location in Toronto with us at The Exchange Tower. Having roots in Toronto, we’re confident that Emad and his team will design a concept specifically for this location and this market.  We’re adding to what is an already a strong food and beverage offering at Exchange Tower and First Canadian Place.  They will join the well established and very successful Cactus Club and King Taps on the block, who also have their roots in Vancouver and opened their first locations in Toronto with us at First Canadian Place.

Rademeyer said Black+Blue will be opening some time in the Fall.

“We’re adding to essentially what was started, which is increasing and diversifying the food and beverage offering on the block and ensuring that it caters to the market.  This is a brand that will appeal to everyone frequenting the financial core, as well as people coming in from the suburbs, further adding to what has become a popular dining destination downtown.” 

The Glowbal Restaurant Group has a number of different banners in Vancouver – Glowbal, Coast, Italian Kitchen, The Roof, Five Sails, Trattoria, Nosh. Its newest restaurant Rileys will be opening in the spring in downtown Vancouver.

“This is a very iconic location with a bit of history as it did house the Toronto Stock Exchange and it’s a beautiful space,” said Rademeyer of Black+ Blue’s new location in Toronto.

Former Toronto Stock Exchange in First Canadian Place (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

“For us it was very important to add a signature high end restaurant that would match the quality of the space and the building.”

“Anytime over the last two years when the Covid restrictions were lifted, the restaurants picked back up, as people started returning to their offices and those in the suburbs ventured downtown.  So we’re confident that post-Covid the restaurant scene downtown is not only coming back but has evolved to new levels.  Many of the operators really hunkered down and reinvented themselves.  So we’re looking forward to a very vibrant restaurant scene as we’ve always seen in Toronto and even better.” 

“This is also testimony to the fact that someone from Vancouver has the confidence in opening up in the Toronto market. And we’re seeing more and more of that.” 

Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary, has more than 40 years experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He is the Senior News Editor with Retail Insider in addition to working as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Mario was named as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From The Author

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

Related articles

Holt Renfrew Bloor Street Flagship in Toronto Marks 45 Years [Feature]

When it opened in March of 1979, it was by far the largest Holt Renfrew store in the chain.

Galleria Supermarket Embarks on Strategic Store Expansion Across Ontario, Targeting Key Urban Areas [Interview]

The grocery retailer is seeking locations in a wide range of sizes, as part of its initiative to operate retail stores while also building awareness for its expansive wholesale division.

Expanding a Brand: Vancouver-Based Entrepreneur Kick-Starts Women’s ‘Wicked Rose’ Martial Arts Activewear Line [Video Interview]

Christina Morrow discusses her plans to rapidly expand her women's martial arts activewear brand, which features performance materials and designs inspired by tattoo art.

The Ballroom Bowl Unveils Bloor-Yorkville Location in Toronto with Additional Expansion Planned in Canada [Interview/Photos]

The upscale bowling and foodservice concept will open another location later this year as it eyes expanding into other parts of Canada, says its founder.

Early Easter Impacting Retail Sales in Canada; New Trends in Chocolates and Merchandising Innovation Showcased [Feature Interviews]

An early Easter, following Valentines, is impacting sales and merchandising in stores. At the same time, some retailers are innovating and looking to make things more experiential.

Canadian Businesses Grapple with Soaring Insolvencies as CEBA Loan Repayments Take Toll: Equifax Reports

It's a perfect storm for disaster with high interest rates, increasing costs and other financial obligations impacting retailers, with insolvencies surging 30% over 2019.

Japan-Based Marugame Udon Enters Canada with 1st Location, Authentic Sanuki-Style Concept to Expand Nationally [Interview]

The world-renowned Japanese noodle hotspot, with over 1,000 locations worldwide, prepares dishes in a theatre-style kitchen. Plans are in place for locations across Canada.

How Canada’s Retail Sector Can Better Serve Families with Children [Interview]

Retailers are missing an opportunity to target parents with children says an expert, while the need to understand Generation Alpha will critical as they become consumers in the years to come.

North America’s First Formula 1 Exhibition Set to Open in Toronto, Showcasing Unique Immersive Experiences for Visitors [Interview]

The highly experiential multi-media exhibit has been designed to engage with visitors while showcasing the sport.

La Maison Simons CEO Discusses New Halifax Store and Retailer’s Ongoing Expansion [Video Interview]

Bernard Leblanc discusses the company's newest store, as well as updates on the company's retail mix, e-commerce strategy, and a future with likely more stores in Vancouver and Toronto.

Australian Haircare Giant ‘Just Cuts’ Announces Canadian Expansion, Eyes Alberta and Ontario for Initial Salons [Interview]

The company has 235 hair cutting salons globally, and is now targeting Canada by seeking shopping centre locations. Its value proposition in this economy could see it expand rapidly.

Rodd & Gunn Opens 1st Standalone Canadian Storefront on Hazelton Ave in Toronto, More Locations Planned [Photos]

Bloor-Yorkville was chosen for the New Zealand-based menswear brand’s first Canadian store, after entering the country through a network of concessions at Hudson’s Bay.