Caffeinated team building in the birthplace of the Oreo? That’s our kind of day.
We had the pleasure of hosting our Chelsea Market Challenge for the team at Lavazza, the iconic Italian coffee brand that’s been perfecting espresso since 1895. With a global presence and a deep commitment to craft, Lavazza is known not just for its bold blends—but for its culture of precision, energy, and connection.
Which made them a perfect match for one of our favorite hunts.
The Challenge: Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market isn’t just a hotspot for foodies—it’s a living time capsule. Once the headquarters of Nabisco, the very building where the Oreo cookie was invented in 1912, it’s now a bustling maze of gourmet shops, exposed brick hallways, and layers of history hiding in plain sight.
It also made for a fitting venue for Lavazza’s scavenger hunt—because really, what pairs better with cookies than coffee?
To top it off, their team even spotted their own products scattered throughout the market: a reminder of Lavazza’s footprint in New York’s culinary scene, from cafes to curated retail shelves. Few team-building activities come with the added bonus of bumping into your brand mid-hunt.
The Hunt: Teamwork Meets Flavor
The Lavazza team hit the ground running. Fueled by caffeine (naturally), they navigated the twists and turns of the market with focus, collaboration, and curiosity. Clues were hidden in signage, artwork, architectural details, and unexpected corners—designed to challenge teams to observe carefully, communicate clearly, and trust each other’s instincts.
And while there were no espresso machines on hand, Lavazza’s presence was unmistakable: energized, intentional, and fully engaged.
A Global Brand in a Very Local Setting
Lavazza has always struck a balance between global reach and local experience. Whether it’s their sustainable ¡Tierra! blends sourced from Honduras and Africa, or their high-end Barista Series designed for home espresso lovers, the brand consistently delivers quality with soul.
So bringing them into a space like Chelsea Market—a place rooted in New York food history, filled with independent creators and culinary heritage—just felt right.
Final Verdict?
Lavazza absolutely crushed the Chelsea Market Challenge. And we were thrilled to see a team known for crafting world-class coffee approach our puzzle-filled, cookie-adjacent corner of NYC with the same energy and attention to detail.
Want to learn more about our private scavenger hunts for corporate groups?
We host team-building events across New York City, including Rockefeller Center, Grand Central, the Met, and—yes—Chelsea Market.
