USA. United Concessions Group (UCG) is to open a full-service restaurant and bar at Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio next month.
The Observation Deck, named to reflect its airfield view, is a partnership with family-owned restaurant business Menches Brothers – Inventors of the Original Hamburger.
Travellers will get the opportunity to experience the world’s first hamburger recipe, created in 1885 by brothers Frank and Charles Menches in Canton, Ohio. Menches Brothers is run by descendants of the duo, including CEO John Menches. It operates three restaurants in northeast Ohio.
The Observation Deck’s menu will offer a variety of American food favourites served for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the option for a sit-down meal or a takeaway.
Speciality burger options are planned, including the King James Burger, the Hall of Fame Burger (two staples from the Menches Brothers restaurants) and the Observation Deck Burger.
Akron-Canton Airport President and CEO Ren Camacho said: “As we debut The Observation Deck, we are excited to combine a menu reflecting local favourites with the unique view of our active airfield. We have been working diligently to strengthen the sense of place for our travellers and know partnering with Menches Brothers will greatly advance those efforts.”
United Concession Group EVP Spencer Shaw said: “We are delighted to open our newest airport location with an iconic northeast Ohio partner like Menches Brothers. Much like UCG, they have a generational story of a family hustling to make what they have work.
“The Observation Deck will be a refreshing lift to the food & beverage programme at CAK and we are delighted to start serving passengers come springtime.”
“It has always been our dream to take our family’s original hamburger recipe and story global,” said John Menches. “This partnership with UCG and the Akron-Canton Airport allows us to meet travellers from around the world, and adds to our mission in carrying on the legacy of our great-grandfather and great-uncle, Charles & Frank Menches.”
UCG has direct operations and partnerships across six airports including Ohio’s Cleveland Hopkins International, where it has been a leading concessionaire for more than 40 years. 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining. Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.
