Ontario mall set to get massive new grocery and entertainment complex

A massive new food and entertainment concept is coming to Oakville Place in Ontario, and it seems to be shaping up as one of the biggest transformations the mall has had in years.

The indoor shopping centre is preparing to be the new home of Nations Experience, a "foodertainment" concept by multicultural grocer Nations Fresh Foods spanning tens of thousands of square feet.

This shopping experience promises to go beyond your typical supermarket visit. The store itself will be expansive — think wide aisles and a modern layout — offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, seafood, and baked goods.

Shoppers can also expect ready-to-eat meals and a large food court featuring a variety of cuisines and a cafe, Nations Coffee House.

One thing that will set this location apart from the others is the variety of food it will offer. Guests will see a mix of familiar staples alongside international products that cater to a wide range of cuisines, catering to diverse cultural tastes.

So, don't be surprised if you stop in for a carton of milk and leave with a bunch of ingredients inspired by a global dish.

Nations Experience is partnering with a second business to bring its vision to life. The space will be shared with Forever Young, a large indoor playplace featuring arcade games, karaoke rooms, and more.

Together, the two concepts will occupy more than 120,000 square feet across two connected levels. The seamless layout means visitors won't have to choose between having fun or being productive, as they can accomplish both in a single trip.

"Our goal is to create more than just a supermarket or entertainment centre. We want to build a welcoming community space where people can shop, dine, relax, and spend meaningful time together," a spokesperson says in a press release.

The shopping centre last underwent a major renovation between 2014 to 2017, when its interior and parkade were reworked. It was also when Oakville Place brought in high-end gourmet grocery store Pusateri's Fine Foods, which closed two years later in December 2018. 

While an official opening date hasn't been announced yet, construction is already underway, and more details are expected to roll out in the coming months.

Nations Fresh Foods currently operates from six locations in Ontario, and its new Nations Experience location will be at Oakville Place, 240 Leighland Ave., in Oakville, Ont.