New bistro at ICA Maxi Katrineholm: An oasis of quiet moments and good food

Client: Vårt egna, ICA Maxi Katrineholm
Sector: Restaurant
Mission: Restaurant Interior

For several years, the ICA Maxi hypermarket in Katrineholm had been thinking about, and longing for, a bistro. In early 2022, they finally had one. The bistro is a quiet environment that’s conducive to crafting and product tasting – away from the noise and rattling of shopping trolleys.

I want customers to be able to sit down in a bistro setting that’s free of disturbance from rattling shopping trolleys and other noise.

Emil Remröd ICA store owner

The idea of a bistro first occurred to ICA store owner Emil Remröd when he visited the Icanders café/restaurant at the ICA Maxi in Visby, Gotland, and was inspired by the concept. The traditional front-of-store section had been transformed into a standalone bistro, creating a nicer, calmer environment.

“I want customers to be able to sit down in a bistro setting that’s free of disturbance from rattling shopping trolleys and other noise,” Emil explains.

Working with interior architects and designers at Intrx, ICA Maxi in Katrineholm produced a visualization of the bistro. Despite the small spaces involved, a nice feeling of privacy could be created between the seating, with variations such as small and large tables, and high bar tables with window seats. Guests can quite simply choose where they prefer to sit.

“The 3D drawing that Intrx produced is strikingly similar to reality. When we saw it, it felt like actually walking into the bistro, which was great,” Emil continues.

The bistro is aptly called Vårt egna, which roughly translates as Our Very Own. It’s primarily a place for guests to dine or enjoy a tea break in peace and quiet, but the store also plans to use it as a meeting place for different kinds of events. Emil says that to date, the store has used the space for everything from product tastings with suppliers to children’s events with crafting and mascots.

“The idea is to find different uses for the bistro and to fill it with more than just food. For example, we recently organised a breakfast meeting that included a talk by the local bank, which was very much appreciated.”

New bistro at ICA Maxi Katrineholm: An oasis of quiet moments and good food

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