Airport and Air Travel News - March 31 - April 12, 2008 -- San Jose Airport ...

Valley eateries make cut at revamped San Jose Airport

Full Story at MercuryNews.com
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8887970?source=rss

San Jose, CA

Despite fears that local companies might get shunted aside in the expansion of San Jose's airport, it appears plenty of local restaurants are preliminary winners to feed hungry travelers. A nine-member selection committee and Airport Director Bill Sherry last week named the three contractors they want to install and oversee about 40 new food and retail stores throughout the new Terminal B and the revamped Terminal A, starting late next year.

Airport officials have said they don't want to disclose the actual stores and restaurants in the packages until the losing bidders have a chance to appeal - which should take about two weeks.

There is a San Jose Sharks-theme bar and restaurant. Sausages grilled fresh from San Jose's 100-year-old Chiaramonte's Deli & Sausage. A home-grown answer to the Hard Rock Cafe - San Jose Rocks. The Bay Area-launched Gordon Biersch will retain a presence at the airport as part of Host International's winning package. It's not yet clear which retail stores are included in the winning bids or which restaurants or stores will be available to people who haven't passed through security.

As for Terminal C, the current Burger King, Starbucks and retail stores will remain there until that aging terminal is torn down, probably in a couple of years, Vossbrink said.

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Clock of Nations Heads for Airport

Full story at RNews.com
http://www.rnews.com/Story_2004.cfm?ID=60076&rnews_story_type=18

Rochester, NY

The Clock of Nations is being moved from it's downtown location and will be heading for Rochester International Airport, temporarily. Larry Cohen of Midtown Rochester Properties LLC says he got many offers for the clock. Cohen's company donated this special gift to Monroe County and its airport authority. In 2012, the authority will donate the clock to Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital. At thirty feet tall and sixteen feet wide, the hospital needs a big space for this big gift.

So check out the clock when you pass through Rochester International Airport!

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Airport concessions nearly ready (Huntsville International Airport)

Full Story at the Huntsville Times
http://www.al.com/business/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/business/120773257347960.xml&coll=1

Huntsville, AL
Huntsville International Airport passengers will soon be able to take advantage of some of the improvements in the airport's $65 million expansion and renovation project. A new and expanded concession area could be ready by Saturday, said Luther "Butch" Roberts Jr., the airport's deputy director. The concessions area, located in the airport's concourse, will more than double to about 6,000 square feet. Huntsville International is the first airport to have a retail Gevalia coffee location, with gourmet coffee and specialty tea, and will be the first airport with a McAllister's Deli. There will also be a new full service bar with food and beverages to go. All of the remodeled Four Points by Sheraton restaurant and lounge should also be ready by the weekend, Roberts said.

Additional airport exansion includes:

Public waiting expansion, which will add 14,000 square feet, brings the waiting space area to 20,000 square feet, with seating for more than 200 people - June 2009.

Parking expansion.

Additional operations features such as cargo building, control tower and industrial park.

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Full Story at BuffaloNews.com
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/313390.html

Buffalo, N.Y.
Security checkpoint lines at Buffalo Niagara International Airport should be picking up speed just in time for the summer travel season. The federal Transportation Security Administration will reconfigure the airport's checkpoint with the goal of boosting passenger processing volume by as much as 35 percent. Key to the security queue realignment will be the positioning of two X-ray screening devices in four of the six lanes to improve passenger flow. Currently, each of the lanes is outfitted with a single X-ray station to inspect carry-on bags and other personal items. The checkpoint enhancement, which could be operational by late May or early June, has the potential to boost the clearance rate by 250 to 300 travelers per hour. "It's all about keeping things moving and working as efficiently as possible," said Lawrence Meckler, executive director of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. "It's a great thing when an airport and the TSA can work together to make a checkpoint function with optimal efficiency," said TSA spokeswoman Lara Uselding.

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American expects schedule back on track Saturday

Full story at the timesonline.com
http://timesonline.com/articles/2008/04/12/news/doc48000b39adfa3795084581.txt

Dallas
American Airlines may cancel as many as 250 flights Saturday, running the five-day total to more than 3,300 flights grounded for the world's largest airline.

But there was some good news for American's customers --- American expects its schedule to be back to normal by late Saturday afternoon as it finishes inspections and repairs on its fleet of 300 MD-80 jets. The carrier was forced to ground the MD-80 fleet Tuesday afternoon after Federal Aviation Administration inspectors found that American's aircraft had not been modified to conform to a 2006 airworthiness directive. The cancellations, which affected nearly half of American's scheduled flights on Wednesday, disrupted the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers.

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Drake Field prepares for another eatery change in terminal

Full Story at the Northwest Arkansas Times
http://nwanews.com/nwat/News/63996/

Fayetteville, AR
The Fayetteville Airport Board approved a lease agreement Wednesday for a new restaurant to occupy space in the airport's terminal. A Fare to Remember, a restaurant, catering and special events venue, will take over the space as soon as it is vacated by Wilma's Restaurant at the end of the month. Wilma Walker opened a restaurant in the airport terminal last April serving home-style meals such as catfish, pork chops and fried chicken. Airport Director Ray Boudreaux said the new tenant will not rely as much on airport traffic, as a large portion of its business is catering.

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Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Airport Team Debuts $250M-Plus MXD Project

Full story at GlobeST.com
http://www.globest.com/news/1134_1134/dallas/169856-1.html

Dallas, TX
A $250-million-plus mixed-use project will break ground by first quarter 2009, with all components planned to rise simultaneously on a 32-acre, ground-leased parcel at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The long-awaited Southgate Plaza is the next development move to establish a world-class airport city. The development site is at the intersection of Rental Car Drive and International Parkway, making the 850,000-sf Southgate Plaza accessible to general consumers as well as airport users without forcing them through the toll gates. Southgate Plaza will have 60,000 sf of retail and restaurant space, a 120,000-sf value-office building and room for a 200,000-sf class A office, 400-key five-star hotel and a select-service hotel with 120 to 130 rooms. Southgate Plaza will be designed with a skywalk to connect the rental car lot with the full-service hotel. All restaurants will be outfitted with flight display screens as will the hotels. Southgate is envisioned as a pedestrian-friendly design blending the plaza with a park and promenade.

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Laurelwood Brewery to Provide Portland Airport Travelers with a 'Uniquely Portland' Dining Experience

Full press releast at: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/04-03-2008/0004786403&EDATE=

Portland Residents and Visitors to Enjoy Environmentally Friendly Brews and Cuisine at PDX (Portland International Airport)

PORTLAND, Ore., April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Portland Aviation Business and Properties General Manager Chris Madsen, SSP America Chief Executive Officer Les Cappetta, Laurelwood owner Mike DeKalb and Oregon Brewers Guild Executive Director Brian Butenschoen joined airport officials
to celebrate the grand opening of a Portland original, Laurelwood Public House & Brewery. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and beer tasting was held at the Concourse E location at Portland International Airport (PDX).

SSP, the Food Travel Experts, operates in airports in 29 countries.Based on the results of a recent global research program that highlights the healthy and organic niche currently lacking in airports, SSP is now bringing enhanced restaurant offerings to North American airports. Portland's renowned dedication to the environment prompted SSP America to introduce Laurelwood to PDX.

A Portland exclusive, Laurelwood is known for brewing Oregon's original certified organic beers. Its Organic Free Range Red and Organic Tree Hugger Porter are recognized as environmentally-friendly brews and world-class ales. Patrons will also enjoy produce from local farmers, all natural Oregon Country Beef, Draper Valley Chicken, Carlton Farms Pork, and Laurelwood's signature breakfasts, including a local favorite, the "Tree Hugger Scramble."

Laurelwood is exemplary of an impressive line of organic and healthy food options SSP America is now offering to North American airports. Camden Food Co., another SSP America exclusive, features an organic menu with biodegradable and recyclable packaging.

"Our partnership with Laurelwood epitomizes our strategy to compliment our extensive international and national brand portfolios with iconic local and national brands and concepts," Cappetta added. "Since opening our first Laurelwood location last fall at PDX, the restaurant has become a popular
meeting place. This supports our ambition to provide more space and sanctuary for the traveling consumer."

In addition to the Laurelwood locations, SSP America also opened a Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza and Quiznos Subs at PDX. These restaurants help to provide travelers with an array of dining choices.

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HMSHost Corp. Riding Coattails of San Diego's Lindbergh Field's Soaring Success

Full Story at RedOrbit from the San Diego Business Journal
http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1329262/hmshost_corp_riding_coattails_of_lindbergh_fields_soaring_success/

Key words: San Diego International Airport, SAN,

With a captive audience of hungry passengers boarding no-feast, just famine flights, San Diego International Airport has a booming restaurant industry. In late February, HMSHost Corp. introduced the first airport Yan Can restaurant at Lindbergh Field. It is also the first of the chain's locations in San Diego and one of several new eateries planned for the two terminals. Situated outside the security area in Terminal 1, the new 1,200- square-foot Yan Can replaced a Pizza Hut and Cinnabon snack bar, which were also HMSHost concessions. Nyle Marmion, the airport's manager of concession development, said that passengers easily can take Yan Can's packaged items, including Kung Pao chicken and Mongolian beef, through security and on board their flights.

HMSHost has 50 concessions, including 30 food and beverage outlets and 20 gift and news shops in about 60,000 square feet of space at Lindbergh Field. The company plans to invest about $5 million in new restaurants at Lindbergh over the next few years. They include Brioche Doree Cafe & Bakery in Terminal 1; Chili's Too in the Terminal 1 food court; Quiznos in the Terminal 1 east rotunda; and Starbucks Coffee in Terminal 2, east. Additionally, it has committed to retrofitting all of its Starbucks outlets at the airport, Marmion says.

All of the new eateries will replace existing HMSHost concessions and more "reconcepting" is under negotiation. Chili's, for instance, which is under construction, replaces Arriba Margarita and Pizzeria Uno, Marmion said. "The reason we wanted a Chili's is because we wanted a restaurant with full-service, sit-down dining and more menu items, which we didn't have," he said.

Last year, the company's gross sales from shops, restaurants and pubs at San Diego International totaled $72 million. The airport's take from rents based on varying percentages of sales amounted to $10.4 million. The year before, gross sales were $64.4 million and it paid $9.3 million in rent.

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HMSHOST ADDS MORE GREAT BRANDS WITH CONCESSIONS CONTRACT EXTENSION AT MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

BETHESDA, Md. ? HMSHost Corporation, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, and its partner Tinsley Family Concessions Inc., announced today a contract extension to continue providing innovative dining options to Miami International Airport travelers through 2011.

“We appreciate the opportunity the Miami-Dade Aviation Department has given us to continue offering Miami travelers outstanding guest service from their favorite restaurant brands,” said Steve Johnson, Senior Vice President, Business Development for HMSHost.

HMSHost recently opened a Ciao Gourmet Market, two BACARDI Mojito Bars, and plans to add an additional Starbucks Coffee to the current roster of brands enjoyed by Miami passengers, including California Pizza Kitchen, Quiznos, and Casa Bacardi.

Located on Concourse D, Ciao Gourmet Market is the American version of Ciao Ristorante, a popular Milan based concept. This popular European concept closely emulates the sophisticated gourmet food markets that fill the piazzas and town squares of Italy. The market’s menu is a combination of great food and packaged products for on-the-go-consumption. Travelers can choose from a wide selection of freshly prepared, pre-packaged gourmet pasta salads, specialty sandwiches, fresh fruit trays, vegetable crudités, yogurt fruit parfaits, organic nuts and dried fruit, energy bars, smoothies, chocolates, iced tea and sodas.

Rich in history and reflective of its Latin roots, the BACARDI Mojito Bars are a welcome oasis for travelers passing through Miami International Airport’s Concourse D and South Terminal. Mosaic glass wall tiles, stained metal panels, and dimensional acrylic paneling all convey a sophisticated image that comes Alive with Taste, for which the Mojito cocktail and BACARDI rum are known. HMSHost bartenders mix the BACARDI Mojitos with an expertise evident in the delicious and balanced tastes of fresh lime, mint, sugar and BACARDI Rum.

HMSHost and its other Miami partner, World Wide Concessions, also operate more traveler favorites, including Chili’s too, Chili’s Grab N Go, Sam Adams Brewhouse and Budweiser Brewhouse.

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HMSHOST AND PORT COLUMBUS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OPEN TRAVEL DINING FAVORITES

Buckeye Hall of Fame Café Joins New Concourse C Line-up

BETHESDA, MD – Exciting new food and beverage brands have arrived at Port Columbus International Airport in time for Spring Break 2008. HMSHost Corporation, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, announced the opening of local favorite the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café and the nationally recognized pizza brand Famous Famiglia, among others.

Concourse C hosts the new airport location of the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café, themed to honor the outstanding Buckeye athletes from Ohio State University. Now open pre-security in the Gateway Plaza food court, Famous Famiglia offers travelers a wide variety of pizzas, pastas, calzones, and strombolies, as well as a nutritious variety of salads and marvelous muffins.

“HMSHost has done a skillful job creating a first-class concession program for our travelers. The restaurants look wonderful, the food is delicious and travelers tell us they are enjoying the new concepts and appreciate the inclusion of healthy alternatives,” said Connie Tursic, Real Estate Manager for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.

More than 7.7 million passengers used Port Columbus in 2007.

“We worked with the Port Columbus team to create a terrific blend of the best national and local restaurants for Port Columbus travelers. Our goal is to make the traveler’s day better and these quality restaurants will do that,” said Joe Waller, Vice President of Business Development for HMSHost.

Other recent restaurant openings include Chili’s Too on Concourse A, Johnny Rockets on Concourse C, and Starbucks Coffee on Concourses A and C. With these new additions, the dining options at Port Columbus now include the following:

Concourse A

Chili’s Too
Starbucks Coffee
Wolfgang Puck Kiosk

Concourse B

Arrivederci Bar
Ciao Gourmet Market
Columbus Brewing Company
Quiznos Subs
Starbucks Coffee
Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express

Concourse C

Buckeye Hall of Fame Café
Johnny Rockets
Starbucks Coffee
Wolfgang Puck Kiosk

Pre-Security

Charley’s Grilled Subs
Cheryl &Co
The Chocolate Octopus
Cup O’Joe
Famous Famiglia
Great American Bagel Bakery Co.
Max & Erma’s Restaurant
Wendy's

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HMSHOST EXTENDS CONTRACT AT TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Tampa-based Carrabba’s Italian Grill to open next year

BETHESDA, MD - HMSHost, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, announced today a contract extension at Tampa International Airport through 2015. The five-year contract extension will bring new brands to what a recent Zagat survey calls the “best airport in the country.” “HMSHost continues to offer exceptional airport dining and shopping experiences with outstanding guest service to our airport travelers and we look forward to opening these great new concepts for Tampa International Airport’s passengers to enjoy,” says Louis Miller, Executive Director, Tampa International Airport.

New landside dining offerings include Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Brioche Dorée, Zia Juice and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, joining the current Burger King, T.G.I. Friday’s, and Starbucks Coffee. New landside shopping venues include Harley Davidson, United Colors of Benetton, Tommy Bahama/Vera Bradley, News & Books and Flip Flop Fun joining the existing Ron Jon Surf Shop, Mindworks, Wilsons Leather, Inmotion Entertainment, Bijoux Terner, Sunglass International, Florida Shop and Sports Scene.

Coming to Airside A is Sam Snead’s Tavern, honoring the golf legend with eye-catching memorabilia in a casual dining environment. Travelers can enjoy meals in the clubhouse with renowned specialty grill items such as chicken, ribs, seafood and beef, light salads and sandwiches, tempting desserts and a full bar.

Airside C will have a new Sweet Factory while Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits and a new Chili’s Too-To Go will open on Airside F.

Other existing food and beverage options include: Quiznos Sub, Tequilieria, Nathan’s, Samuel Adams, Chili’s Too, Casa Bacardi and FlatBreadz. Current retail shops include Tampa Bay News Connection, Tampa Bay Trading Company, News Express and Gulf Coast Mercantile.

“Tampa International Airport has always been a top performing airport that leads the industry in concessions sales. We appreciate the opportunity to continue our successful partnership and thank the Aviation Authority at Tampa International Airport for their vote of confidence,” said Kevin Erickson, Vice President, Business Development for HMSHost.

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HMSHOST CORPORATION EXTENDS CONTRACT AT LITTLE ROCK NATIONAL AIRPORT

Local Favorites to Welcome Travelers

BETHESDA, Md. - HMSHost, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, announced a contract extension to continue providing innovative food, beverage and retail options to Little Rock National Airport travelers through 2018. The Host-Adevco Joint Venture was awarded a seven-year extension to bring the following new brands to the line-up already enjoyed by Little Rock’s passengers: Ouachita Landing, a locally-themed, sit-down restaurant and bar; Quiznos; and Ouachita Outpost, a locally-themed specialty retail kiosk – all located post-security. In addition, the existing post-security food court seating area will be expanded. Further enhancing the baggage claim public waiting area will be a new Starbucks Coffee with new adjacent bistro seating to accommodate meeters and greeters.

Ron Mathieu, interim executive director, said, “One of our most important goals at Little Rock National is to provide an exemplary experience to all those using this facility and we are pleased that our continuing partnership with HMSHost will allow us to expand concession offerings throughout the terminal which will better help us provide that exemplary experience.”

Ouachita Landing will be a new full service, casual dining experience located post-security. It will be located in the space currently occupied by the Arkansas Gallery, which will move to the upper level, pre-security area for all airport visitors to enjoy. Featuring a rustic, hunting lodge design, the Ouachita Landing will offer local flavors such as Yarnell's Ice Cream, Lindsey's Barbecue, Andina's Coffee, and adult beverages from Diamond Bear Microbrewery. Menu items will also include fried catfish, crab cakes and beef brisket.

Ouachita Outpost will feature regional souvenirs that highlight outdoor activities and the beauty of the region. Offerings will include gear for fisherman, hikers and outdoor adventurers such as “Little Rock” fishing tees, hats, vests, fishing gloves, wading socks, floating sunglasses and more. Ouachita in Indian means "good hunting grounds" and is a name that is rich in Arkansas history and conjures images of the picturesque Ouachita National Forest, the oldest national forest in the south, and the Ouachita Mountains that stretch from the center of Arkansas to southeast Oklahoma.

These new dining and retail offerings will join current local, national and HMSHost-created brands: Yarnell's Ice Cream, Andina's Coffee & Great American Bagel, Burger King, Daily News, News Exchange, Pizza Hut, Riverbend Bar & Grill, Riverbend Books and a post-security Starbucks Coffee.

“At HMSHost, we strive to make the traveler’s day better and we appreciate this great opportunity to continue offering Little Rock National Airport travelers outstanding guest service from new and popular restaurant and retail brands,” said Stephen Douglas, Vice President, Business Development for HMSHost.

Quiznos opened in the food court in December 2007; the post-security Ouachita Outpost will open in early 2008; the pre-security Starbucks and post-security Ouachita Landing and food court seating expansion will open by fall 2008.

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Remember, if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them!
Happy Travels --

-Gus