TORONTO — Toronto restaurateur and entrepreneur Andreas Antoniou and Compass Group Canada have announced a landmark partnership deal with Assembly Chef’s Hall, which sees Compass Group become the majority owner of the 18,000-sq.-ft. Toronto food hall.
Assembly Chef’s Hall first opened its doors in December 2017, positioning itself as Canada’s first chef-driven market. Since its inception, it’s grown to one of the most popular event spaces in the city, hosting, on average 2,500 guests per day.
“No other retail category has seen as much significant growth as food halls in recent years and that’s why we believe we have captured the attention of Compass Group Canada,” says Antoniou. “Their strong investment track record and deep focus on operational and strategic development makes them an ideal partner for Assembly Chef’s Hall and our expansion plans.”
The move comes on the heels of Compass Group Canada’s national partnership with vegan restaurant chain, Copper Branch.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Andreas Antoniou on his outstanding vision — the Assembly Chef’s Hall,” says Saajid Khan, CEO Compass Group Canada. “As a business, we’re not focused on being the largest, we are focused on being the best, particularly when it comes to our culinary offering.”
Under the new agreement and corporate structure, Antoniou will remain the president of Assembly Chef’s Hall, while Khan and Michael Hachey, CIO, Compass Group Canada, will join the Assembly Chef’s Hall board of directors.