USA. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports and Delta Air Lines, yesterday celebrated the local and minority businesses taking part in the new-look dining and retail concessions programme at Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 3.
The programme was completed recently and features 22 minority business owners. The concessions include a mix of local favourites and celebrity-owned restaurants, travel essentials, gift stores and a range of airport firsts.
The programme is expected to achieve Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation of 43% for food & beverage and 36% for retail, outperforming the 25% and 20% project goals respectively.
“We’re excited to offer LAX guests a range of unique, locally-inspired experiences, while supporting the growth of remarkable businesses,” said Board of Airport Commissioners President Karim Webb.
“Today’s celebration is a testament to the power of diversity, inclusion and community engagement. These efforts are proof that our partnerships with URW and Delta Air Lines are not just about enhancing the travel experience, but prioritising and championing local and minority-owned businesses that reflect and showcase the best of Los Angeles.”
LAWA CEO John Ackerman said: “As the international gateway to Southern California, LAX should reflect the vibrant diversity of Los Angeles, and this includes the dining and retail offerings available to our guests.
“Los Angeles World Airports is thrilled to celebrate the inclusivity showcased in Terminal 3 at LAX, and proud that this vision was realised by Angelenos and community members for everyone who travels through our airport.”
“Together, we’re creating an industry-leading guest experience and lowering the barriers to entry for small, local, and disadvantaged businesses,” said URW Chief Operating Officer Dominic Lowe.
“Our partnership with Los Angeles World Airports and our concessions partners is creating economic opportunities for our communities, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate and innovate for an even more inclusive and world-class LAX concessions programme.”
“Across Delta’s operation, we are committed to ensuring suppliers reflect the communities we serve and uplifting small business owners,” said Delta Air Lines Vice President Los Angeles and Sales West Scott Santoro.
“With the completion of Terminal 3’s new concessions programme, customers can experience Los Angeles’ diverse and vibrant culinary scene while embarking on a premium travel journey. We appreciate our partners at LAWA and URW Airports for their continued partnership as we innovate toward the next era of travel at LAX.”
“Today’s celebration of LAX Terminal 3’s new dining and retail offerings is a testament to LAWA’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment,” said Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) President and CEO Eboni Wimbush.
“By partnering with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Delta Air Lines, LAWA not only elevated the passenger experience but also empowered local and minority-owned businesses, many of whom are AMAC members. With 22 minority business owners contributing to this dynamic new space, we’re proud of LAX exceeding its ACDBE participation goals and setting a new standard for airport concessions nationwide.”
The local and minority business owners, prime operators and joint-venture partners include Luis Arandia (Arandia Designs – Hudson), Blanton Canady (BTII Incorporated – Concord Collective), Joya Kizer-Clarke (Casa Unlimited Enterprises – Marshall Retail Group), Dale Mason Cochran (Concourse Ventures – Hudson), Harry E. Johnson (Creative Concourse Concessions – Areas), Sharon Jackson (Delightfully Different and Wholesome – Marshall Retail Group), Gregory Plummer (Concord Collective), Devika Maini (Fly Away Foods), Emma Walbridge (Gameway), Daniel Halpern (Jackmont) and Javarro Edwards (JME Group – Concord Collective).
Others are Julie Jun (MAJ Collection – Hudson), Randi Sibonga (MCSB – Concord Collective), Nicholas Crews (Crews Companies), Norman Nixon (Nixon & Associates – Hudson), Sandy A. Roberts (Onsite Retailers – Concord Collective), Simeon Stewart and Michael Washington (Palazzo Concessions – Hudson), Robert B. Crews, III (RC3 Enterprises – Crews Companies), Shannon Westmore (Space B/D – Marshall Retail Group) and Karim Zaman (The Zaman Group – Hudson).
Jackmont Hospitality and SoCal Concessions brought rapper Ludacris’ popular Chicken + Beer to its first LAX location. They also came together with L.A. Top Chef star Nyesha Arrington to open Native by Nyesha, which offers fresh California-inspired cuisine.
“Our collaboration with Nyesha Arrington to develop and operate Native by Nyesha brings two minority-owned firms together elevate the LAX guest experience,” said Jackmont President and CEO Daniel Halpern. “In partnership with LAWA and URW Airports, we’re creating a more equitable and welcoming experience that represents the heart of Los Angeles.”
Arrington said: “This project in partnership with Jackmont Hospitality, is a celebration of Los Angeles’ vibrant and diverse food culture, offering travellers a taste of the city’s rich culinary mosaic.
“By elevating the work of diverse chefs and incorporating multicultural dishes, we not only foster local pride but also advance our partnership to ensure that LAX reflects the voices, flavours and traditions of all Angelenos, while supporting local businesses and underrepresented communities.”
Local, 100% minority-owned operator Concord Collective is behind the first airport outpost of local coffee and tea purveyor Alfred.
Concord Collective Chief Executive Officer Greg Plummer said: “LAX’s new Terminal 3 is a shining example of what’s possible when innovation meets inclusivity. We are extremely proud to partner with LAWA, URW Airports and Delta Air Lines to bring Alfred Coffee’s unique brand to the all-new programme. This collaboration showcases our dedication and proves what is possible when we work together to create opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses to elevate the traveller journey and deliver a truly LA experience.”
Local woman-owned Fly Away Foods makes its airport debut with the opening of Jamba, serving on-the-go freshly blended smoothies, bowls and freshly squeezed juices.
“Providing opportunities and encouraging everyone to compete and shine is the heart of the American spirit that is admired throughout the world,” said Fly Away Foods COO Ajay Maini.
“Our partners at LAWA and URW Airports truly believe in this principle and offer small business enterprises like us, a true opportunity to rise, grow and succeed. By being inclusive, encouraging and including local businesses in the process and opportunities, we have highly benefited as an organisation, and are uplifting and empowering our entire workforce family,”
Crews Companies, a local and minority-owned concessionaire, recently opened the one-of-a-kind Pizza Please, a ghost kitchen concept delivering pizzas through an innovative locker platform, plus CAVA with its Mediterranean menu comprised of curated bowls, pitas, salads, dips, drinks and more. Crews is also behind local favourite Fat Sal’s, offering oversized sandwiches, loaded fries and other comfort food, as well as Yakumi, a fast-casual sushi outlet.
Crews Companies CEO/Managing Partner Nicholas Crews said: “As a LA-based minority-owned company with deep roots in the city, we’re thrilled to contribute to LAX’s vibrant atmosphere and provide guests with a memorable culinary journey. Our long-term partnership with URW Airports, LAWA, and Delta Air Lines aligns perfectly with LAWA’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity and supporting local businesses.
“Our innovative dining hall concept in Terminal 3 showcases a unique blend of local and diverse culinary offerings. By bringing together four beloved brands – Cava, Fat Sal’s, Yakumi, and Pizza Please – in two spaces, we’re providing guests with an exceptional dining experience.”
Areas and its minority partners are behind mission-based bakery Homeboy offering fresh handmade sandwiches and baked goods along with the newly opened Starbucks.
Hudson and its minority partners have opened Hudson Nonstop offering travel essentials as well as Evolve by Hudson which includes a strong gifting offer. Marshall Retail Group and its minority partners have opened tech concept InMotion and also offer local products and travel essentials at A/K Boulevard.
The terminal is also home to 100% woman-owned Gameway, a video gaming entertainment lounge offering personal gaming stations and a retro-gaming bar.
The new restaurant and retail concessions are part of LAWA and Delta’s US$2.3 billion-dollar modernisation project to consolidate Terminals 2 and 3. The 1.2-million-square-foot, 27-gate complex aims to provides a smoother customer journey as well as airside connection to the Tom Bradley International Terminal, noted LAWA. ✈
