Japanese specialty coffee brand % Arabica is continuing its expansion across Canada with the opening of two new locations in the Greater Toronto Area. The brand, known for its minimalist design and high-quality coffee, has now established a total of five locations in the region, as part of a broader strategy to introduce its globally recognized concept to Canadian consumers.
The latest % Arabica store officially opened at CF Sherway Gardens on May 17, 2025, marking the company’s fourth Toronto-area location and its 255th store globally. Staying true to its commitment to delivering unique design experiences at each location, % Arabica partnered with Japanese design studio no.10 to craft one of its most visually distinctive stores to date.
“In Canada, where winter sports are deeply ingrained in the culture, Toronto’s CF Sherway Gardens is surrounded by more than 20 skating rinks. This is why within this vast mall, this small store was designed with the concept of a ‘rink’ in mind,” the designer explained.
The store’s design features curved white counters, pendant lights shaped like the brand’s iconic “%” symbol that resemble hanging icicles, and mirrored ceilings which create sparkling reflections reminiscent of glistening ice. The concept reinforces % Arabica’s commitment to integrating local culture into its store designs while maintaining its minimalist, globally consistent brand identity.
Square One Opening Fuses Form and Function
On May 23, 2025, % Arabica launched a soft opening at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, one of Canada’s busiest malls. The location represents the brand’s fifth store in the Greater Toronto Area and is scheduled for a grand opening in June 2025.
Unlike traditional mall kiosks, the Square One location is an architectural standout. Designed in collaboration with Austrian firm Studio Precht, the kiosk presents a sculptural, modular structure that seamlessly integrates into the mall’s high-traffic environment. The design features five entry points, allowing customers to approach from multiple directions, while the combination of soft wooden frames and a translucent white shell creates an inviting, light-filled atmosphere.
“The kiosk at Toronto Square One showcases the iconic modular design of % Arabica x Studio Precht, featuring a five-opening layout that seamlessly accommodates the flow of visitors from all directions within the shopping center. The combination of wooden structures and a white translucent shell creates a minimalist yet warm atmosphere, while the circular window design further enhances the brand’s visual identity,” the designer noted.
Seamless Digital Experience with % Arabica App
In addition to its physical expansion, % Arabica continues to emphasize a seamless customer experience through its digital platform. The brand’s mobile app offers several features tailored to modern consumer habits.
Through the “Order Ahead” feature, customers can pre-order beverages, customize drinks, and select either in-store pickup or car-side service, reducing wait times. The app also includes a loyalty program where users collect “% Stamps” and “% Pointos” that can be redeemed for rewards such as free beverages. Furthermore, the in-app “% PAY Wallet” allows for secure, contactless payments, enhancing convenience and efficiency for users.
The % Arabica app is available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play), supporting the brand’s goal of delivering a fully integrated physical and digital retail experience.
Growing Presence Across Canada
Since entering the Canadian market in December 2022, % Arabica has been steadily growing its footprint. The Canadian expansion began with a flagship location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Designed by no.10 of Nomura, the Yorkdale store features mirrored cylindrical centerpieces and Chemex-inspired lighting, providing a modern and sophisticated environment for coffee enthusiasts.
In July 2023, the brand opened its second Canadian location within Toronto’s Union Station. Designed by Tacklebox Architecture, the Union Station café draws inspiration from Canada’s unique geological formations, featuring faceted gypsum wall designs that reflect the country’s natural landscapes.
Expanding westward, % Arabica debuted its Whistler Village location in British Columbia in June 2024. Studio Precht again collaborated with the brand to create a design inspired by ice caves, incorporating white metal mesh domes and panoramic mountain views. The Whistler store also introduced a Canadian-exclusive Maple Latte, featuring locally sourced maple syrup.
In December 2024, % Arabica opened a highly anticipated location at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, further solidifying its presence in one of Canada’s premier shopping destinations.
The CF Sherway Gardens and Square One openings in May 2025 further cement % Arabica’s growing presence in the Canadian market.
More Canadian Locations Planned
The company’s broader vision is to establish between 10 and 20 locations across the country. Its site selection strategy focuses on a mix of high-density urban centres and scenic destinations, offering Canadian consumers diverse and visually captivating environments to enjoy their coffee.
According to previous statements, the brand intends to maintain its signature approach of tailoring each store design to its surrounding context while adhering to its minimalist global identity.
Brand Origins and Global Appeal
Founded in Kyoto, Japan, in 2013 by Kenneth Shoji, % Arabica quickly developed a strong international following for its combination of design, quality, and cultural storytelling. The company sources its coffee beans directly from small farms, emphasizing traceability and sustainability while curating a premium coffee experience.
Beyond the product itself, % Arabica markets a broader lifestyle ethos. Its motto, “See the World Through Coffee,” reflects the brand’s mission to foster global connections and shared experiences through the universal appeal of coffee culture. Each store serves as both a community gathering place and a design destination, drawing visitors not only for the coffee but for the immersive and visually compelling environments.
