Japanese coffee brand opens new location in Toronto

A Japanese coffee brand just opened its third location in Toronto.

Coffee shop % Arabica officially opened in the Eaton Centre on Monday. It’s the fourth location in Canada and the third in Toronto.

The first shop opened in Yorkdale Shopping Centre in December 2022, followed by a store in Union Station in July 2023. There is also a store in Whistler, B.C.

In addition to premium coffee, the brand is known for its minimalistic design. The Union Station shop was designed by Tacklebox Architecture under the leadership of acclaimed architect Jeremy Barbour.

The brand, which aims to “See the world through coffee” has over 160 stores around the world. Founded by Kenneth Shoji, % Arabica is an independent coffee brand from Kyoto, Japan. Shoji started the brand because he wanted an “amazing cup of coffee every day.”

The Eaton Centre location replaces the Starbucks kiosk near the fountain on the first level of the mall. In May, the Eaton Centre announced Starbucks was moving to two new locations on either end of the mall.

The new % Arabica kiosk features clean, white counters and gleaming metal beams. A team of baristas deploys the sleek Slayer Espresso Machines for the preciously-made coffee drinks.

The menu features hot and cold espresso drinks including an Americano, caffe latte, Kyoto Latte, a dark latte (with chocolate), and a Spanish latte. There is also a matcha latte and lemonade.

There are a variety of pastries, including plain, almond and chocolate croissants, cookies and cannelés (a small French cake). You can also buy beans, tumblers and coffee grinders.

A location is expected at Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke but the opening date hasn’t been announced.