US. Leading global concessionaire HMSHost has unveiled several new localised restaurants and retail concepts at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
“We couldn’t be happier about bringing these local concepts to the airport,” said Tampa Airport CEO Joe Lopano. “They really say to people as soon as they land here, “˜Welcome to Tampa.’ And they let people who are leaving sample a final taste of their time here.”
The new First Flight concept in the Main Terminal is a wine bar created by Tampa restaurant Mise en Place. More than 35 wines from the world’s major wine-growing regions are available, complemented by a food menu featuring classic European appetizers with Chef Blitz’s modern American interpretation. Charcuterie flights (smaller samples) and cheese flights are featured, including Allepo Sea Salted Marcona Almonds, Harissa Poached Shrimp and Biscotti with Chocolate Fondue.
Mise en Place CEO and Proprietor Maryann Ferenc said: “It is amazingly exciting that after 25 years Mise en Place is experiencing perhaps our most meaningful career highlight. Tampa International Airport’s invitation to a local Tampa business to share our vision of food, wine and hospitality with the world by entertaining their travellers is a phenomenal opportunity. Yes – it is possible to put Tampa Bay on the global culinary map. Our gratitude to TPA and HMSHost.”
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The First Flight concept in the Main Terminal serves classic European dishes with Chef Blitz’s modern American twist |
Downtown concept Green Iguana Bar & Grill is now open on Airside A, with a menu featuring burgers such as The Original and The Mambo King, appetizers including Iggy’s Coco Shrimp, Lava Martini, and Ybor City Mojo Nachos. The Famous Green Magarita in a two-fisted goblet features on the cocktail menu served at the Tiki Bar.
The concessionaire is operating some Airside C restaurants with Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) joint venture partner, Tinsley Family Concessions. The new Cigar City Brewing concept features a wide beer selection reflecting the culture of the Tampa Bay and showcases region’s cigar-making heritage. The outlet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner along with Cigar City Beers on Tap, such as Jai Alai IPA, Maduro Brown Ale, and Hotter Than Helles Lager, along with a rotating selection of craft beers. The “˜brewpub’ brews beer on site, offering Tony Jannus Pale Ale created exclusively for Tampa International Airport.
Tinsley Family Concessions President & CEO George Wm. Tinsley, Sr. added: “We at Tinsley Family Concessions are very excited to be a part of the new business development at Tampa International Airport. As a joint venture partner with HMSHost, together we operate the Shula’s Bar & Grill, Shula Burger, and Cigar City Brewing Company now open on Airside C. We hope travellers will enjoy these great new local and national brands.”
Cigar City Brewing Founder and CEO Joey Redner said: “Cigar City’s brewery is located less than 10 minutes from TPA. As neighbours we are thrilled to be partnering with HMSHost and Tinsley Family Concessions to bring Cigar City’s award winning Tampa-centric ales and lagers to Airside A via this unique brewpub concept. The Cigar City Brewpub menu was designed both to reflect Tampa’s rich culinary traditions and pair well with our beer.”
Also operating on Airside C in partnership with Tinsley Family Concessions is the third Florida airport location of Shula’s Bar & Grill, which serves burgers, salads and signature appetisers in addition to cocktails and wines. The menu includes: The Shula Cut Filet Mignon, Sweet Chili Chicken Bites, Premium Black Angus Beef burgers and a veggie burger. Travellers in a hurry can purchase food from Shula Burger, a fast-casual burger concept with a walk-up counter. The menu also features fresh salads, sandwiches and sea salt fries.
Shula’s President Dave Shula said: “Shula’s Bar & Grill was designed especially for airports to offer a modern and energetic space. Our newest concept, Shula Burger, was adapted to offer the most popular menu items in this airport location. Travellers can count on getting great food from a legendary restaurant brand when dining at these locations.”
The Columbia Restaurant Café was created from the original Columbia Restaurant founded in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. The airport outlet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dishes including the Original Tampa Cuban Sandwich, Spanish bean soup and black bean soup, and the Original ‘1905’ Salad. A full bar is available, along with selections from the Columbia’s private label wines from Spain, California, and Argentina, and Columbia’s private label spirits including Don Casimiro Classic Silver Rum, Screaming Richard Tequila, and Chacho Bourbon.
“For the last 15 years we have anticipated being part of the finest and most convenient airport in the country,” said Richard Gonzmart, President and fourth-generation family member of Columbia Restaurant Group. “As Florida’s oldest restaurant, we are proud to announce that our newest location, The Columbia Restaurant Café, is open for business at Tampa International Airport. We are looking forward to serving both locals and visitors a taste of Tampa.”
Ciao Gourmet Market and Bacardi Mojito Bar opened on Airside A, along with a new Papa John’s in the Main Terminal, operated by ACDBE partner PJ Benton of Uniworld Management Services, Inc.
HMSHost’s retail division also opened new outlets, including Swarovski in the Main Terminal. Operated by HMSHost’s ACDBE partner, Susan Stackhouse, the merchandise selection includes the brand’s crystal jewellery and fashion accessories.
In the Main Terminal women’s apparel boutique Radio Road also joins the line-up. On Airside C HMSHost unveiled Tampa Bay Marketplace which features Tampa Bay News, Sunglass Icon, Kiehl’s, and Under A Silver Moon. Also at Airside C is a new Tech Interaction concept operated by ACDBE partner Iris Goldschmidt of Airport Wireless.
HMSHost Vice President, Business Development Renée Tedesco said: “HMSHost is very proud to continue our successful partnership with Tampa International Airport. We’re committed to making the Tampa traveller’s day better by bringing the best dining and shopping the region has to offer.”
HMSHost employs 835 associates in 50 restaurants and retail shops at Tampa International Airport. A total of 150 new jobs resulted from these new airport openings.
*FOOTNOTE: Genevieve Knevitt is Deputy Editor of The Foodie Report, an e-Zine published by The Moodie Report and dedicated to all travel-related, revenue-generating food & beverage services. To view the most recent edition click here.
To subscribe, please e-mail Sinead.Moodie@TheMoodieReport.com
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the host of this year’s Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards to be held on 20-22 June. Click here for details.
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