Nicola Farinetti, Partner and CEO of Eataly US, talks to RLI about Eataly - an all-in-one gastronomy experience which is witnessing strong growth in the US, Italy and Tokyo.
The Eataly marketplace offers a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and fish, handmade pastas, desserts, baked goods, coffees and teas, as well as a selection of housewares and books, Italian dried pastas, canned goods, sauces, olive oils and more.
Nicola Farinetti, Partner and CEO of Eataly US, explains how the company was established. "After years of success in the electronics industry, my father decided to sell his company and explore opening a market/restaurant concept sourcing the best artisanal products while simultaneously educating the consumers.
Eataly was conceived to belie the absurd assumption that quality products are available for only a limited circle of privileged people, as they are often expensive or difficult to find.
"Eataly is a place for everyone. Everything is made with the idea that high quality food is for everyone and not more only for privileged people.
"The philosophy adopted by Eataly is two fold: it offers products, both for sale and used as ingredients in catering, and offers education including cooking classes tastings and encounters with great chefs, important wine producers or craftsmen."
Eataly was established in 2007 with the opening of Eataly Torino and now operates in 10 locations, which also include Eataly Milano, Eataly Daikanyama in Tokyo, Eataly Bologna, Eataly Mitsukoshi in Tokyo, Eataly Pinerolo in Torino, Eataly Gran Sta in Tokyo, Eataly New York, Eataly Atre Kichijoji in Tokyo and Eataly Monticello d'Alba in Cuneo. In 2011 Eataly will be opening in Genova and Rome.
The sizes of the locations vary, with New York, Turin and Tokyo being the largest.
Speaking about the quality of the items, Farinetti said: “Great attention is paid to products coming from the Slow Food Presidia, representing a valuable heritage which is difficult to find on the large-scale distribution market.
"Accurate control of the origin and quality of both products and their producers, Eataly keeps in mind that the best flavours are not only synonymous with excellence, but also with what is in season. Let’s be smart! Seasonal products are better and cost less too."
The restaurant offer is divided into different themed areas offering tasty dishes, prepared with the best local seasonal ingredients: meat, cold cuts and cheese, fish and vegetables, pasta and pizza.
For the full article, please see the May 2011 issue.
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