Don't believe the hype. I had a lunch shopping date at IKEA on yesterday. I'm assuming the large crowd was a result of the most recent opening. We waited in line for 40 minutes to a cafeteria style eatery. I couldn't understand why the deserts looked as though it had been in a refrigerator for days uncovered as I know they were moving items quickly due to the large volume of people they were serving. The meatballs were small and dry in some instances (three different varieties), I can certainly tell you Costco and Sam's Club meatballs have them beat hands down. The four thinly dried out pieces of chicken fingers were piled on the top of a bunch of fries, I'm assuming to make the plate full. I promise you they took a half of a chicken breast and butterflied it twice. The vegetable potatoe cake was different and good in taste. I have to admit the eating area was clean with a refreshing modern appeal.
Now as for the shopping side, they have an excellent marketing team. They have created this humongous maze that is very difficult to get out, please do not get sick or have to go to the bathroom there, if so good luck. Those who have walking restrictions be warned. I'm a compulsive professional shopper and is known for shopping until everyone around me drops (lol) but this place had me screaming get me out of hear after two and a half hours. I found the furniture to be dorm room quality, the kitchen remodeling items could be found at a local Lowe's or Home Depot with easier access and the little other household items at a Bed Bath & Beyond.
Of course this is just my opinion, there is different strokes for different folks. IKEA is just not my thing for food or shopping.