La Gran Familia Goya!

To celebrate the opening of Goya Foods’ new state-of-the-art distribution center in Bolingbrook, IL, On The Scene created a memorable event focusing on the rich tradition and heritage of the Goya Foods brand. Nearly 250 Goya employees, customers, and friends & family attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 147,000 square foot facility.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with calypso melodies provided by the local Roberto Clemente High School Steel Drum Band. As guests made their way into the warehouse, a ‘Canstruction’ display-over 3,200 colorful Goya product cans stacked to spell ‘Goya’-guided guests as they arrived. The food products on display were donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

As guests entered the warehouse, a store isle display of the 1,500 Goya product offerings provided a rich and colorful atmosphere. The food products were arranged according to region-Caribbean, Mexico, Spain, Central and South America, highlighting the high quality products that have satisfied generations of customers for over 70 years. The stage backdrop consisted of stacked pallets of Goya products, configured around the stage to create an amphitheatre style environment for the various speakers and dignitaries. Erin O’Connor, the reigning Miss Illinois, sang a soaring a capella rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’. As the ribbon was cut to officially open the warehouse, confetti cannons went off as the local Goya employees entered the room though a break-away banner adorning the Goya logo. The warehouse employees got the group on their feet, as they lead the guests into the warehouse loading dock, where lunch was served.

The loading dock was transformed into a vibrant celebration featuring the local Latino neighborhoods that thrive on Goya products. Each buffet station was designed to represent the various regions that Goya represents-Mexican, Caribbean, South American, and Central American. Each ‘vignette’ featured colorful images of Chicago’s rich Latino neighborhoods, while displaying regional Goya products and offering a tasty selection of traditional Goya recipes. A lively Spanish guitar duo provided background music, flamenco, classical and Latin American styles ranging from traditional to pop. Throughout the lunch, guests were invited to tour the warehouse and visit the functioning bean packaging operation.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank On The Scene for an excellent job, the two events were great. Everyone is saying that they had never been to a Grand Opening like the one we had, fantastic.” -General Manager, Goya Foods Midwest

On The Scene-Goya Foods Warehouse Opening Press Release-Nov '09 (pdf, 415KB)