Fast-growing international pasta chain opening first North American location in Toronto
A pasta chain on a major expansion path overseas is finally slated to make landfall in North America this month, and it's chosen Toronto as ground zero.
Founded in Athens, Greece, Mailo's (also known by its lengthier name Mailo's The Pasta Project) is all about "street pasta," a proprietary concept that blends principles and inspiration from contemporary street food with, yup, pasta.
While the concept of street pasta alone feels vague at best, the product seems to do a good enough job speaking for itself: look no further than the chain's over 50 locations across Greece, Cyprus and Lebanon for evidence.
Expansion within the same hemisphere is one thing, though. Now, the chain is setting its sights west to bring Mailo's to North America, and Toronto is the first place it's landing.
"Toronto is our strategic launchpad — a multicultural, trend-driven city that will help shape our future growth across North America," says Mailo's founder Nikos Moutsouroufis.
"Our first store is designed to be more than just a point of sale; it's a destination where we can build awareness, foster community, and introduce guests to the Mailo's experience."
Setting up shop in the heart of the city's bustling CityPlace neighbourhood, the restaurant will offer 13 different pasta dishes, all designed to "fill a gap in the industry by offering high-quality pasta tailored to younger, fast-paced consumers seeking both convenience and quality."
If the menu currently in rotation at Mailo's Greece, Cyprus and Lebanon locations is anything to go by, Toronto can expect options that run the gamut from classic carbonara to a dish inspired by Greek pastitso.
Whatever the case, more places to get pasta — especially in a fast casual concept — are always welcome, so I feel confident our new Greek neighbours will be met with open arms and rumbling bellies.
Mailo's Toronto officially opens on Friday, June 12, at 357 Bremner Blvd.
Mailo's The Pasta Project
