Fraport USA and Nashville International mark construction start of new 133,000sq ft concessions programme

US. Fraport USA and Nashville International Airport have announced the start of construction of the airport’s new 133,000sq ft retail and food & beverage concessions programme. The first shops and restaurants will commence trading by spring 2020.

As reported, Fraport USA took over management of the retail and F&B concessions programme in February 2019 after winning the Nashville International contract last summer. By the time of completion in 2023, 90 new locations will open.

Officials from Nashville International Airport and Fraport USA marked the construction launch of the airport’s new concessions programme. Left to right: Brett Kelly, Fraport USA Senior Vice President for Operations; Ben Zandi, Fraport USA President and CEO; Doug Kreulen, Nashville International Airport President and CEO; Margaret Martin, Nashville International Airport Chief Development Officer; Robert Ramsey, Nashville International Airport Chief Operating Officer

The spring openings will be “Nashville originals” Bajo Sexto, Pyramids Café, Swett’s Restaurant and The Urban Juicer. Fraport USA also revealed that a total of 50 new stores will be opened by the end of next year including local brands NaSah’s Nail Salon, The Arts District Market, Greetings from Nashville and Tennessee Brew Works.​

Other local names set to open in later phases include Country Music Hall of Fame Museum store, Kijiji Coffee House, Peg Leg Porker, Prince’s Hot Chicken and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. They will be joined by national chains including MAC Cosmetics, Shake Shack and Starbucks.

Fraport USA said that it has already executed leases for more than 60 locations, representing more than 66% of the new concessions space.

Alongside​ shops, restaurants and service outlets, there will be common-use areas for seating and Sense of Place entertainment, allowing passengers to experience the “sounds and feeling of Music City”.​

Nashville International Airport serves 460 daily flights to more than 65 non-stop markets and is the 33rd busiest airport in the US

At the construction launch event, Fraport USA President and CEO Ben Zandi said: “Today, we are launching a visible transformation to the retail concessions programme at Nashville International Airport. Our goal is to bring a big, bold taste of Nashville directly to the airport and its millions of visitors. We are thrilled to deliver this iconic programme featuring diverse local operators and showcasing the best of Nashville and its region – alongside popular national brands.”

Nashville International Airport President and CEO Doug Kreulen said: “As passenger traffic continues to increase dramatically at BNA, we have sought to improve the overall airport experience with a new and improved concessions programme.

Nashville International Airport President and CEO Doug Kreulen signs hardhats at the concessions construction launch event

“In particular, we welcome Fraport’s commitment to a concessions environment that embraces the authentic Nashville culinary scene and draws upon local ownership and participation. We look forward to the full implementation of the new programme as we move forward with our expansion plan at BNA.”

Fraport USA said that it is on track to hit its target of 45% tenant participation from Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE), including a range of small, minority, and woman-owned businesses.

The new retail and F&B concession programme forms part of BNA Vision, which was launched in July 2016. The overall plan includes additional parking garages, a new Concourse D, an expanded central terminal, an expanded security checkpoint, a new international arrivals facility, an airport administration building, hotel and potential transit connections. See the video below for an overview.

NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes FAB, the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. The FAB Newsletter is published every two weeks and The FAB eZine every month.

Please send all news of food & beverage outlet openings, together with images, menus, video etc to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com to ensure unrivalled global exposure.

The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. FAB 2019 was held in June in Dallas, hosted by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

NOTE TO AIRPORT OPERATORS: The Moodie Davitt Report is the industry’s most popular channel for launching commercial proposals and for publishing the results. If you wish to promote an Expression of Interest, Request for Proposals or full tender process for any sector of airport revenues, simply e-mail Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com.

We have a variety of options that will ensure you reach the widest, most high-quality concessionaire/retailer/operator base in the industry – globally and immediately.

Similarly The Moodie Davitt Report is the only international business intelligence service and industry media to cover all airport consumer services, revenue-generating and otherwise. We embrace all airport non-aeronautical revenues, including duty free and other retail, food & beverage, property, passenger lounges, hotels, car parking, hospital and other medical facilities, the Internet, advertising and related revenue streams.

Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for instant, quality global coverage.

Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine