Before the grand opening on October 17, IKEA invited South Florida's media to a special event at its newest location to preview the first Florida store and all it has to offer.
As media entered the 300,000-square-foot Sunrise location, they were greeted by a team of IKEA representatives and directed to the second floor for a complimentary lunch catered by the store's restaurant. Staying true to the brand's origins, the 250-seat restaurant served a variety of Scandinavian delicacies, including poached salmon with mire poix, a selection of cheeses and breads, and the ever-popular Swedish meatballs. A full fountain station was set up with a variety of beverages, but the most popular drink was lingonberry juice, from a sweet fruit indigenous to Scandinavia.The meal was rounded out with a selection of Swedes' favorite desserts, including chocolate-covered marzipan logs, blueberry cake, and toffee cake made with Daim, a Swedish candy, as well as a variety of fresh fruit.
After lunch, IKEA representatives gave a short talk about the company's history and future in Florida before guests were broken up into groups and given guided tours of the new store. From the kitchen and dining area to living rooms to textiles and more, press spent an average of two hours roaming the building, shooting pictures of the new furniture designs, and quizzing store employees about the products. Known for low prices on quality furniture, place settings, lighting, and more, IKEA is a new local resource for planners looking to create an event on a low budget, or who just want to find that one great visual element.
As media entered the 300,000-square-foot Sunrise location, they were greeted by a team of IKEA representatives and directed to the second floor for a complimentary lunch catered by the store's restaurant. Staying true to the brand's origins, the 250-seat restaurant served a variety of Scandinavian delicacies, including poached salmon with mire poix, a selection of cheeses and breads, and the ever-popular Swedish meatballs. A full fountain station was set up with a variety of beverages, but the most popular drink was lingonberry juice, from a sweet fruit indigenous to Scandinavia.The meal was rounded out with a selection of Swedes' favorite desserts, including chocolate-covered marzipan logs, blueberry cake, and toffee cake made with Daim, a Swedish candy, as well as a variety of fresh fruit.
After lunch, IKEA representatives gave a short talk about the company's history and future in Florida before guests were broken up into groups and given guided tours of the new store. From the kitchen and dining area to living rooms to textiles and more, press spent an average of two hours roaming the building, shooting pictures of the new furniture designs, and quizzing store employees about the products. Known for low prices on quality furniture, place settings, lighting, and more, IKEA is a new local resource for planners looking to create an event on a low budget, or who just want to find that one great visual element.
An IKEA representative spoke about the history of the company and its future growth in Florida.
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One of the selections available on the buffet included spears of asparagus wrapped in pieces of smoked salmon.
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An IKEA representative spoke about the history of the company and its future growth in Florida.
BizBash
The restaurant in IKEA can accommodate as many as 250 guests and features a selection of both Swedish and American cuisine.
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South Florida press members lined up to sample the buffet of Swedish delicacies.
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A variety of breads, sauces, dips, and fish selections were included in the buffet.
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The lingonberry juice was a hit among guests.
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The dessert selections included a chocolate cake and toffee cake made with Daim, a Swedish candy.
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