USA. Global restaurateur HMSHost (part of Avolta) unveiled a full-service restaurant and bar concept, OMB Biergarten, at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina yesterday (19 November).
Located in Concourse D, it has been created in partnership with The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, a local brewery that crafts German-style beers using traditional methods.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Chief Business & Innovation Officer Ted Kaplan said: “OMB debuted to our passengers in 2018 as a quick-service bar in Captain Jack’s Tavern, Concourse E.
“Its popularity paved the way for other local craft brewery options in the terminal, and we’re thrilled to now offer a second, more expansive location for the millions of passengers traveling through Charlotte.”
The 125-seat, 1,785sq ft outpost at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is inspired by the brewery’s original biergarten in Charlotte’s LoSo neighborhood.
A modern interpretation of a public park, OMB Biergarten takes advantage of the concourse’s high ceilings and natural light to create a German biergarten complete with 16ft replica trees.
The bar menu offers its signature brews, including the flagship Copper Altbier, Captain Jack Pilsner and Hornets Nest Hefeweizen, which have been brewed since OMB’s founding in 2009. It also features a rotating selection of seasonal beers.
Travellers can discover popular dishes from OMB’s local LoSo and Ballantyne taprooms, such as jumbo pretzels, sausages and pork schnitzel at the new airport location.
The F&B joint has also created a breakfast menu exclusive to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It features omelettes, apple strudel, A.M. cocktails and more.
HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Stephen Douglas said: “OMB is a staple of Charlotte’s craft beer scene and has been a wonderful partner of HMSHost at Charlotte Douglas International Airport for many years.
“When the opportunity arose to create a concept that would bring the larger OMB experience to the airport, we knew it was a project everyone would support.
“OMB Biergarten helps make a traveller’s journey through Charlotte Douglas International as exciting as their destination, and we are proud to partner with The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and the City of Charlotte to bring this to life.”
OMB Founder John Marrino remarked: “OMB has very much enjoyed its years-long partnership with HMSHost at the Charlotte airport.
“In addition to being great business partners, we really appreciate HMSHost’s and the airport’s willingness to showcase small local businesses such as OMB, affording local and pass-through travellers a taste of what makes Charlotte unique.”
HMSHost manages over 70 dining venues at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, including Whisky River; proprietary concept 1897 Market; QSR and brands such as Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A, Wow Bao and Panera Bread; Summer House and Beatrix Market from Lettuce Entertain You; among others. 
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