Education at Eataly

A place where shoppers can learn, get questions answered and get practical information.

Eataly Chicago is raising the bar on consumer education.

Opened in December 2013, the Chicago store is the 24th Eataly location (there are now 27 worldwide) and the second in the U.S. after New York. Designed to mix foodservice and retail, the store is now pushing the educational element, with an expert in each field present in each area. So we have, an expert on fruit and vegetables, an expert bread baker an expert on cheese and salami.

Produce Manager Dan MacPherson told Supermarket news that, for example, if a customer asks why a particular produce item isn’t organic, an employee will be able to explain that some fruits and vegetables are only grown conventionally, or that it would be financially prohibitive for the farmer to get the USDA certification but he grows his crops using the same high standards.

Eataly also takes the time to show visitors how food ends up on their plates. The restaurants have open kitchens, and customers can watch experts make products like fresh mozzarella, pasta and sausage.

While Eataly is different from a supermarket – it has more of a luxury appeal, and the restaurants attached offer the benefit of being able to take more time with a customer – Eataly is another great example of what a retail store can offer a consumer. Coming here is not only an experience for the consumer, but it’s a place where shoppers can learn, get questions answered and get practical information.