Eataly, a popular Italian-inspired dining and grocery concept, is ready to make its debut in New Jersey.

The 17,000-square-foot-space is scheduled to open Nov. 13 at The Mall at Short Hills. Eataly will feature a restaurant, several quick-service counters, and a retail section with imported Italian and regional delicacies.

Founded 17 years ago in Turin, Italy, Eataly houses grocery shops and restaurants offering dine-in services and grab-and-go options of high-quality yet affordable traditional Italian fare with a twist. It currently has 50 locations worldwide, 12 of which are in North America. That footprint includes three stores in New York City (Flatiron District, Downtown and SoHo).

The first Eataly serves as the model for all of the brand’s locations. The flagship offers various restaurants and cafes, a pasta bar, meat & cheese counters, and a pizzeria and gelato shop, along with Italian groceries and household items for purchase.

The restaurant

In Short Hills, the restaurant lineup includes Eataly Ristorante. The 230-seat restaurant and bar features classic dishes, like antipasti and calamari. It also offers 10 varieties of pizza, 100 different labels of Italian wine and an assortment of seasonal cocktails.

According to Eataly, the restaurant will offer curated dining experiences for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The market

At the marketplace, shoppers will find hundreds of high-quality, artisanal imports. Products include extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and bronze-extruded pasta. It will also have a wine shop; fresh products from regional producers; and counters dedicated to salumi, formaggi and fresh pasta. Additionally, there will be room for live pasta-making demos, according to Eataly.

For the holidays, the retail space will carry a selection of gift boxes, premium panettoni and pandori, along with a collection of Eataly specialties.

The counters

Eataly’s café and quick service area will provide a range of authentic Italian favorites, from panini to gelato, including:

• Caffe Lavazza – an all-day café featuring Lavazza coffee drinks
• La Pasticceria – cakes, croissants and other baked goods
• Il Gelato – gelato and sorbetto creations
• Pizza alla Pala – a variety of Roman-style pizza
• Panini – focaccia, panini and farcita

‘The right fit’

Eataly also gains attention for hosting classes, events and special dinners related to Italian cooking and culture.

As part of its grand opening in New Jersey, the chain planned a 10-day schedule of happenings. Festivities include educational workshops, tastings and chef-led dinners as well as DJ nights with specialty cocktails.

In a statement, Eataly North America CEO Tommaso Brusò said, “As Eataly continues on an expansion plan to new markets across North America, we are thrilled to make our debut in New Jersey. Thanks to its impressive roster of retailers and a key location just 19 miles west of Manhattan, The Mall at Short Hills is the right fit for our first store in the state, and we look forward to bringing the Italian lifestyle to our guests.”

William Taubman is chief operating officer of Taubman, the mall’s owner. “We are excited to bring Eataly to The Mall at Short Hills for our shoppers to celebrate and enjoy the history and food culture of Italy. As the first Eataly in New Jersey and just outside New York City, Short Hills continues to be the destination for world-class shopping and elevated dining experiences,” Taubman said.