USA. The Port of Seattle this week revealed the brands that will feature in its expanded food and retail offer at Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport, as part of a major renovation. The number of stores and restaurants will grow from 85 today to 135 by 2020 as some big capital projects take shape, including the North Satellite modernisation programme and the creation of a new international arrivals area.
Two new restaurants opened last week: Floret by Café Flora, the first full-service vegetarian restaurant to launch service at Sea-Tac, and Qdoba opened a 24-hour full-service restaurant with an expanded menu. Among the other imminent openings are Ivar’s, Pallino’s and Subway, which will soon begin serving from food kiosks next to the Central Terminal.
Later this year, Sea-Tac will open at least eight new restaurants including Starbucks Evenings, Rel’Lish burger lounge, Papa Woody’s, Stone House Café, Camdenfoodco., Le Grand Comptoir, Capitol Hill Food Hall, and Ballard Brew Hall.
Local brands Skillet, Sunset Fried Chicken and Caffé D’arte will open Sea-Tac Airport locations in 2019 and 2020, along with local retailers Filson and Elliot Bay Book Company.
Passenger numbers have increased for seven years in a row; a record 46.9 million passengers used the airport in 2017.
“From kiosks to in-line stores, we are excited to offer customers more choices for dining and retail at Sea-Tac Airport, to build a platform for local chefs and shop owners who celebrate the Pacific Northwest, and to recognise equity and sustainability practices that passengers can feel good about supporting,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Courtney Gregoire.
“We appreciate the emphasis the Port places on partnership and championing the local, women- and minority-owned firms in our region,” said Chef Monica Dimas of Sunset Fried Chicken. “Our fried chicken makes an amazing first and lasting impression. We are thrilled to share our passion for food and this community with Sea-Tac passengers.”
“We are super excited and grateful to have an opportunity to share what makes the Pacific Northwest so unique with the millions of passengers that fly through Sea-Tac Airport,” said Daniel Nguyen, Owner of Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen and 9th & Pike Artisanal Sandwiches & Salads.
“As a local Seattle-based company, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our first signature Planewear store into a new space at Sea-Tac Airport,” said Jennifer Longley, Owner and CEO of Planewear. “Since our opening as a kiosk three years ago, we’ve brought fun and unique aviation-themed products to travellers of all ages. We’re excited to be part of the growth at Sea-Tac and are looking forward to help bring the airport shopping experience to new heights.”
New dining concepts
*Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen: Founded by Pacific Northwest native Daniel Nguyen and his family in Camas, Washington. The family of Vietnamese immigrants opened Bambuza in downtown Seattle in 2003 and has five locations in Portland that serve Vietnamese menu selections featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This is the first time this ACDBE small business won a contract as a lead concessionaire at Sea-Tac Airport, and it is mentoring other small businesses as part of a joint venture.
*Caffe D’arte: A locally owned, Italia coffee roasting company originally started by Mauro Cipolla after moving from Italy to the Northwest in the 1970s. Locations in Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market. Managed by Concourse Concessions, LLC, a current small business, ACDBE tenant owned by principals from the Pacific Northwest, with three locations at the airport.
*Lummi Marché & Bar: Curated by Chef Thierry Rautureau, this petit bistro and artisan market will feature French twists on Pacific Northwest regional food. It will be managed by SSP America with an ACDBE joint venture with Cyclo Corporation and Hyflyers, LLC.
*Seattle Beer Union: Inspired by the local beer movement, it offers spirits, wines and brews from Washington breweries, distilleries and wineries along with a seasonally fresh menu crafted by acclaimed Seattle Chef Jason Stoneburner. Operated by HMSHost partnering with a local Latin small business, La Plaza International, Inc.
*Skillet: Started from an Airstream food truck, Skillet offers American food prepared with seasonal ingredients. Operated by HMSHost and La Plaza International, Inc., Skillet will be in two locations – one at Concourse C and one in the North Satellite.
*Sourced Market: Showcasing gourmet food from the Pacific Northwest region, Sourced Market will offer deli dishes and regionally sourced products. Operated by SSP America with an ACDBE joint venture with Cyclo Corporation and Hyflyers, LLC.
*Sunset Fried Chicken: This Seattle brand, led by Monica Dimas, specialises in the fried chicken sandwich. Operated by HMSHost and La Plaza International, Inc.
*Starbucks: Seattle-based coffee brand, managed by HMSHost and La Plaza International, Inc.
*Vyne Washington Tasting Room: A wine specialist outlet with a focus on regional Washington State wines. Operated by SSP America in an ACDBE joint venture with Cyclo Corporation (owned by Seattle resident, Taylor Hoang) and Hyflyers, LLC.
*9th & Pike Artisanal Sandwiches & Salads: Managed by Bambuza, a small, locally-owned ACDBE business, 9th& Pike was inspired by the original, standing-room-only sandwich counter. It offers Northwest-inspired sandwiches, wraps and salads in a quick-serve concept. 9th & Pike will run two locations on Concourse C and pre-security on the north esplanade.
New retail concepts
*Elliott Bay Book Co.: Since its founding in 1973, Elliott Bay has become a landmark independent bookstore in Seattle. To be located on Concourse C and run by Seattle Air Ventures, a joint venture between Hudson, MCSB, Inc. and Warren News & Gifts, Inc. Seattle Air Ventures has multiple locations throughout the airport.
*ExOfficio: Offers apparel and travel gear, this unit will be run by Marmot Mountain, LLC in a new location at the at the intersection of Concourse A and B (currently in the Central Terminal).
*Filson: This local lifestyle concept is a partnership by Seattle Air Ventures, a joint venture between Hudson, MCSB and WNNG. Seattle Air Ventures operates multiple locations throughout the airport.
*Hudson Group/Alki Express: A combination store to be located in the Concourse D hardstand, and run by Seattle Air Ventures.
*Maui Jim: US sunglasses manufacturer, with a store run by Seattle Air Ventures.
*Planewear: A store that will carry aviation and travel-related products and apparel. A small, locally-owned ACDBE that currently has a presence at the airport.
*Sub Pop: With experience from the past three years at the airport, this updated Sub Pop retail space will feature record store design elements and technology, old-school vinyl LP bins, an expanded range of streetwear, books and other goods. Sub Pop is a locally owned business that will remain in the same location at the edge of Concourse C and the Central Terminal.
*Something Silver: A local Seattle, women-owned and operated ACDBE, small business based in Seattle, it offers artisan jewellery. To be located on Concourse C and run by Seattle Air Ventures.
*Tumi: An outlet from the luggage and travel lifestyle brand, to be run by Seattle Air Ventures in Concourse B.
