Minneapolis St. Paul opens NHL theme restaurant and quick service market combo
Phoenix-based architecture and interior design firm, Ideation Design Group (IDG) collaborates once again with HMSHost. IDG is the creative team behind HMSHost’s first NHL themed airport eatery, Minnesota Wild Bar, which is situated adjacent to its new market concept, MSP MKT. The shared 9,074 square foot space, located in Terminal 2 of the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport marries the two distinct concepts through a seamless design.
The Minnesota Wild Bar’s 4,628 square feet centers on a 360 degree bar clad in authentic used hockey sticks donated by Minnesota Wild fans. Mix and match bar stools, lighting and upholstery create that feeling of “home” while the central feature, an expo kitchen, is elevated in the middle of the bar and dining adding a dynamic experience to the entire space. Internally illuminated columns made of decorative acrylic glow like ice define the space and attract passersby. The dining area, lounge and bar areas combined provide seating for 200 and feature a Minnesota Wild bubble hockey table and 33 flat screen TVs for optimal game day favorites. IDG incorporates the hockey team’s colors of yellow and green throughout and combines these accents with a selection of eclectic fabrics in neutral shades of brown and grey. Accents of stacked stone and bronzed steel give the venue a rustic and masculine vibe. Graphic images of the home team in action along with authentic players’ goalie masks and jerseys are innovatively displayed throughout, transforming the space into the ultimate sports fans’ playground.
“We wanted to create a space where hockey players and fans want to hang out, and would be comfortable bringing the whole family,” explained Carl Schaffer, principal of Ideation Design Group.
A wall made of hockey pucks in the shape of Minnesota with the “State of Hockey” logo separates the restaurant from MSP MKT which has a contrasting yet complimentary industrial, modern design. Bold signage and stainless steel pendants hang over counter areas to guide travelers through the full-service areas. The market includes a soup and salad bar, made-to-order sandwich station, carvery and pizza-to-go. Refrigerator cases and other displays offer travelers an option of grab-and-go items.
The restaurant and market both opened to the public in mid-December.
Ideation Design Group (IDG) is the award-winning interior architecture and interior design firm behind thousands of retail, restaurant and food service projects located in a variety of venues including most major airports around the world. The firm based in Phoenix, Arizona founded in 2004, employs a team of 36 architects, interior designers and project manager. To learn more about IDG and its portfolio of work visit ideationdg.com.
