Is Italian Giant Eataly Coming to Atlanta?

Midtown’s Colony Square development is in line for a makeover, and it could bring in some major dining tenants. North American Properties managing partner Mark Toro is in talks with Italian market Eataly, reports the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Toro revealed the discussions in a meeting with "a group of Midtown residents," according to the ABC. Though, a potential Atlanta opening for Eataly would not come anytime soon. A groundbreaking on the Colony Square redevelopment project is expected to be roughly a year away.

Eataly was founded by entrepreneur Oscar Farinetti in 2004, when the first market opened in Turin, Italy. Now, Farinetti’s empire spans the globe. The chain boasts 28 locations: 16 in Italy; three in the United States; three in Japan; two in South Korea; and one each in Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Turkey. Several more locations around the world are confirmed to be in the works

Each market covers a lot of ground — as much as 50,000 square feet — and includes various elements of in-house dining. When a New York City outpost was announced in 2007, the Times described Eataly as a "megastore" that "combines elements of a bustling European open market, a Whole-Foods-style supermarket, a high-end food court, and a New Age learning center."

Representatives for Eataly have not responded to a request for comment.

In addition to Eataly, Toro mentioned a possible partnership with local empire builder Ford Fry at Colony Square: "Where is his Midtown restaurant?" he reportedly asked the group. In a text message to Eater Atlanta, Fry confirmed Toro has "very casually" broached the subject, but the restaurateur emphatically denied interest in opening a new venture at the development.

• Colony Square Redeveloper Sheds Light on Possible New Tenants [ABC]

• How Did Eataly Become a Global Italian Food Superpower? [E]

• All Rumormongering [EATL]

Eataly's Bluefish From Fishing Line to Plate