USA. Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta, has unveiled a revamped look for one of its most popular outlets, Chili’s Grill & Bar at Jacksonville International Airport in Florida.
Chili’s in Concourse A has been expanded to 4,700sq m, with space for 185 guests across the bar and dining room. The restaurant provides flexible seating for large groups.
The bar is notable for employing the Bottoms Up Draft Beer System, an automated pour technology that offers faster service and a more sustainable beverage experience (see video below).
Bottoms Up fills beer glasses from the bottom up, reducing pour time substantially without compromising on taste or quality – and with virtually no waste. The focus on convenience is speed is accentuated by the deployment of self-order kiosks for those seeking quicker service.
Chili’s VP of International Business and Global Development David Weston remarked: “We couldn’t be more excited about being back at the airport, now with double the space to serve travellers their familiar favourites as soon as they step through security.
“When our first location closed to make room for expanded security checkpoints, Chili’s was the highest-grossing restaurant at the airport.”
“Chili’s is reopening at a perfect time for Jacksonville International Airport,” said Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh.
“Construction on our third concourse is well underway, forcing several food units to permanently close. Chili’s ample seating and wide variety of menu options provides passengers a great dining experience before their flight.”
The restuarant menu features signature items such as Big Mouth Burgers, fajitas, Chicken Crispers, hand-shaken margaritas, as well as breakfast options. Chili’s at Jacksonville International is open seven days a week from 5am to 9pm.
“With our new location and added space, we have a perfect opportunity to re-introduce ourselves and to fulfill our purpose of making everyone feel special.”
HMSHost has elevated culinary offerings at Jacksonville International over the past two years with additions such as Firehouse Subs, BurgerFi, Southern Grounds and Angie’s Subs.
Chili’s is the sixth restaurant to open as part of a ten-year contract Jacksonville Aviation Authority awarded to HMSHost and Florida-based Lee Wesley, an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise joint venture partner.
HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Stephen Douglas said: “Continued improvements to Jacksonville International Airport are creating vibrant concourses anchored by expanded food & beverage options.
“Reimagining the already-popular Chili’s space to enhance the casual dining options at JAX has been a fun opportunity.
“It’s another prime example of how HMSHost is continuing our work with longstanding partners such as Jacksonville Aviation Authority to answer the growing demand among travellers for an airport experience as unique and engaging as the destination.” 
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