New ‘Angry Birds’ cafe brings the popular 2010s game to life in New York City
From a live-action remake of the Disney animated classic, “The Little Mermaid,” to celebrating the iconic mononymous doll with the upcoming release of “Barbie,” the zeitgeist is currently steeped in a nostalgia craze.
Although it doesn’t seem too long ago, a new establishment in Flushing, Queens is taking visitors back to the 2010s with its theme. July 8 marked the opening of iiSwii by Angry Birds Retail Cafe, making it the world’s first cafe themed after the popular mobile game.
Angry Birds is a Finnish puzzle and strategy game that launched in 2009. The game’s narrative follows an array of colorful birds, who serve as the protagonists, who are trying to retrieve their eggs from green-colored pigs. The game was a smash-hit and was called “one of the great runaway hits of 2010.” Since its release, Angry Birds has gained over five billion downloads, accrued 25 million followers across social media, has seen several spin-off games including a Star Wars-themed iteration, and has been adapted into two films.
The newest product under the Angry Birds brand is located in the Food Court area of the new 275,000 square foot, multi-level Tangram shopping center. The retail cafe is a partnership between the Angry Birds developer Rovio Entertainment, construction company SCG America, and IMG, which is the global licensing agency for Angry Birds.
iSwii by Angry Birds is 3,300 square feet and is adorned in contemporary decor, notes Travel Noire. Prior to entering the cafe, there are New York City-themed statue installations, which are perfect accompaniments to an IG post. Once they get inside, guests are welcomed by an impressive ceiling mural featuring characters from the game. Under their feet is flooring that takes on the likeness of ice cream sprinkles.
The aesthetic of the cafe takes inspiration from the scenery in the game, with hanging chairs shaped like nests, tropical plants, and bright colors adding to the Angry Birds theme. The cafe also offers guests immersive experiences such as private nests available for parties and events. In the secluded spaces, guests can play Angry Birds via virtual reality and experience the game in a brand new way. The cafe also has a glass case exhibition that displays seasonal holiday treats decorated by the cafe’s chef.
Between the stunning visuals of the cafe, interactive technology, retail opportunities, and culinary offerings, the Angry Birds cafe is perfect for the family when visiting New York City.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published July 12, 2023 at 10:57 AM with the headline "New ‘Angry Birds’ cafe brings the popular 2010s game to life in New York City."