The world’s biggest furniture retailer IKEA is also a top restaurateur, and its characteristically Swedish menu helps sustain the stamina of shoppers at the giant DIY stores.
The retailing format and the famed food mart will also come to India, but the bill of fare will have a pronounced desi flavour.
IKEA is preparing to open its first store in Hyderabad next spring. The facility will house the largest restaurant for IKEAanywhere, with seating capacity running into four figures.
Hyderabad is a foodie city and they will absolutely have biryanis. They respect the faiths in India and their meatballs have pork and beef, so they won’t bring that to India.
IKEA said half its menu at the restaurant will comprise vegetarian options.
Food is a substantial chunk of business for IKEA globally. They have hired an Indian chef and he is helping them with the right blend.
IKEA received government approval in 2013 to invest Rs 10,500 crore — the most in retail in the country.
The Hyderabad store will have 800 employees against the IKEA global average of about 500 people per store, as the outlet will also employ delivery and installation staff. They want to own some services internally in our stores such as delivery, assembly and installation. They will do that solely internally. That is why they are hiring 150 more to begin with.
