Union Station in downtown Toronto continues to expand the roster of offerings as the transit hub transforms into a community destination for food and entertainment.
The latest tenant to be announced is a restaurant concept by the Liberty Entertainment Group called Blue Bovine, which will open in Union Station’s East Wing.
Liberty Entertainment Group, under the leadership of CEO Nick Di Donato, operates multiple entertainment and special event venues, including Casa Loma and the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. They are also responsible for the development of BlueBlood Steakhouse, Don Alfonso 1890, Xango and three Cibo Wine Bar locations (King West, Yonge St and Yorkville), as well as a Toronto nightlife venue – Arcane.
“Their experience with heritage sites and ability to create new and unique concepts which are appropriate for the time and fit the space, were key factors when targeting prospective tenants for this location,” shared Rademeyer. “The selection of this group aligns with the continued vision, supported by Osmington for Union Station – to celebrate local and to bring the best operators to the station.”
The concept is being described as an elevated steak and seafood restaurant, with the design by Nadia Di Donato.
“We are confident that this will further expand the reach of the station to draw not only from the surrounding offices and residential but importantly to create an iconic destination at Union, which will attract suburbanites especially and compel them to make that special trip to the station to experience Blue Bovine.”
Blue Bovine will span around 10,000 square feet in the East Wing of Union Station, which will be accessible through Front Street. Retail Insider covered the opening of beauty brand Sephora in June, covered the LCBO opening in July and announced sporting giant Decathlon’s new ‘city concept’, which will be opening in September.
Retail Insider Media Publisher Craig Patterson described Union Station as “Canada’s busiest transit hub and it is seeing an incredible overhaul that includes a repositioning and redevelopment of its retail component which will expand to a footprint of about 170,000 square feet. The mix of retail, food and service tenants will make Union Station a draw for locals and visitors in a unique heritage building in the heart of the city. There hasn’t been a more significant retail development in downtown Toronto since CF Toronto Eaton Centre opened nearly 45 years ago.”
