Angry Birds Cafe to Open in New York City

To give you an idea of Angry Birds’ age, it was released on iOS, webOS, and a platform called Maemo 5 before it became available on Android, as stated in our 2010 review. Surprisingly, it is still thriving after more than 13 years, and now developer Rovio is being acquired by Sega for approximately $776 million. Additionally, Rovio is set to open the first Angry Birds-themed restaurant, named “iSwii by Angry Birds,” on Friday (July 8th). This restaurant will be situated in the Food Court at Tangram’s new mall in Flushing, Queens, NY, and will offer a variety of cakes, pastries, and other treats inspired by the game.

Partnering with construction industry SCG America, Rovio promises “endless culinary delights, vivid visuals, the latest Angry Birds Games and interactive technology.” It’s decorated with “Instagrammable” NYC-themed statuary installations outside the entrance, a ceiling painting, a terrazzo deck, and floor coverings that look like dessert sprinkles. You’ll also see “nest-like wicker and hammock chairs, bird paradise graphic wall coverings, and tropical plants on shelves where hatchlings and baby birds roam.”

No menu was visible, but the press release mentions “delicious seasonal holiday cakes and pastries,” and the photo provided shows mostly desserts, candies and other sweets. It will also host private events in “nests” or “rooms featuring Angry Birds VR games and goodies, including customizable Angry Birds-themed gift bags for partygoers.

We’re not sure if people will accept a restaurant based on a game that peaked around 2015 with the Angry Birds movie. Either way, Sega’s purchase for three-quarters of a billion dollars shows that the IP still has value, and the app has over 5 billion downloads to date — plus the restaurant has a 2013 feel that could make it a big nostalgia bet.