USA. HMSHost has added a refreshed Cigar City Brewing ‘brewpub’ and Burger 21 to its food & beverage options at Tampa International Airport.
The Airside C outlets were officially opened on 30 August. Other new outlets at the airport include Stellar Bay News and Terminal Getaway Spa.
The Airside C Cigar City Brewing outlet is operated by HMSHost in partnership with Tinsley-Bridgeman. Its centrepiece is an exhibition brewing facility, making it the only ‘true brewpub’ in a North American airport, according to HMSHost.
HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Michael Price said: “Tampa has an amazing craft brewing history and a vibrant food & beverage scene. Along with our partner Tinsley-Bridgeman, we are thrilled to add more local flavours representing the best the region offers like Cigar City and Burger 21 into Tampa International Airport.”
Tampa International Airport Vice President of Concessions Laurie Noyes commented: “We’re pleased to welcome the latest Burger 21, Stellar Bay News and Terminal Getaway Spa locations, as well a completely redeveloped Cigar City Brewing, which we know will remain popular with our guests for years to come.
“These brands and concepts truly reflect the spirit of Tampa Bay through flavours, brews, products and relaxation services that we hope will leave an impression on our visitors coming and going.”
A Cigar City Brewing outlet opened at the airport in 2013. HMSHost and Tinsley-Bridgeman said they were the first to introduce an on-site brewing operation and combined restaurant into a North American airport, launching the trend of bringing local craft beer concepts to airports.
Cigar City Brewing has reopened on the same location but with a larger footprint and enhanced offerings. The outlet aims to offer a “downtown factory-conversion al fresco-dining” atmosphere with bar seating available behind a large garage door. Its menu includes brewhouse burger and a chimichurri steak main course.
HMSHost said the brewing operation brings a new “cool factor” to the airport. The outlet showcases a three-barrel system surrounded by glass windows at the front of the restaurant so travellers can watch the beer-making process.
HMSHost said it works with a Cigar City Brewing brewer to oversee airport beer production. A special batch, offered only to airport guests, is generated every month.
Six signature Cigar City beers are available on draught. They include Jai Alai, Maduro Brown Ale, Invasion Pale Ale, Florida Cracker and Tampa Lager. The monthly house-made brew is rotated with a seasonal nitro tap.
Draught Tony Jannus Pale Ale is also available. This brew, named after Tampa aviator Antony ‘Tony’ Jannus, is found only at the airport and the Tampa brewery. Cigar City cans, including Tocobaga Red Ale, are also featured.
HMSHost opened the Cigar City Taproom in Airside F in 2017.
Burger 21 is a Tampa-born gourmet burger joint which specialises in hand-crafted beef, ahi tuna, and black bean burgers. Crème Brûlée and Ybor City Double Espresso milkshakes are also featured.
HMSHost opened its first Burger 21 outlet in Airside A in 2017.
HMSHost is planning other enhancements at Tampa International Airport, including a Beach Market grab-and-go kiosk in the airport’s new rental car facility, and outdoor patio seating at the pre-security P.F. Chang’s.
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The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. This year’s FAB took place on 20-21 June in Helsinki.
