UK. Alpha Retail Catering is this month taking over as operator of the airside ground floor food court at Nottingham East Midlands Airport (NEMA).
Alpha plans to invest between £100,000 and £200,000 in refreshing the existing facilities, which at present include a traditional food offer with a hot food counter and a “˜grab and go’ section as well as hot and cold beverages.
Customers will soon benefit from a new and revitalized menu selected from Alpha’s own iconic range, to include a broader selection of hot meals, wok dishes, omelettes, salads and deli sandwiches. The new menu will be implemented gradually over the next few months.
The new food hall contract will enhance Alpha’s presence significantly at Nottingham East Midlands and marks the first time the firm has been awarded a catering contract at the site. Alpha already operates Alpha Airport Shopping and World News outlets as well as in-flight catering via Alpha Flight Services.
Alpha Retail Catering Managing Director Jerry Robinson said: “Alpha’s success lies in our ability to provide the full range of services, from CTN and duty free right through to quality contemporary catering in any airport environment, and combining these elements to drive penetration and maximise spend.
“We pride ourselves on bringing high street values and greater choice into airport retail catering – these values will form a key element of our transformation of NEMA’s existing facilities.
“We have supported this new contract with a range of key personnel to oversee the changeover and ensure the launch is a successful one. Maintaining high levels of customer service over the summer months will also be crucial and we aim to make the transition as seamless as possible.”
Nottingham East Midlands Commercial Director Tim Jones said: “Our decision to award the contract to Alpha without going to tender demonstrates the strength of our relationship with the firm and our confidence in their ability to deliver a first class service.
“We have invested over £2.5 million this year in our customer facilities and are very proud of the end result, which includes a new executive lounge, bar, shops, refurbished seating and flooring throughout. We currently fly to over 80 destinations and serve 4.4 million passengers every year, so excellent customer service is an absolute top priority for us.”
Fellow food & beverage concessionaire SSP will continue to run the airport’s first floor airside food hall, known as the Trent Food Hall, as well as its successful Café Ritazza brand and the new bar which opened in May 2005.
Note: For regular food & beverage news, see our dedicated section on the home page of The Moodie Report.com – you’ll find it under ‘Other travel revenues’ on the drop down menu at the top of the page.
