USA. North American airport concessionaire Paradies Lagardère has unveiled a series of food & beverage openings in the first quarter.
The offerings evoke a distinctive sense of place with a showcase of local flavours, transforming concourses into destinations themselves with distinctive food & beverage options, Paradies Lagardère noted.
Paradies Lagardère Senior Vice President of Restaurant Operations Claude Guillaume said: “Paradies Lagardère is honoured to work with our airport partners coast-to-coast as they renovate and refresh their concourses to continue bringing premium restaurant and retail facilities to travellers.
“Whether it’s the convenience of healthful grab-and-go options or a sit-down meal featuring local brews, the focus is on creating outstanding travel experiences every step of the way.”
Among the latest concepts was Nine Cities Craft, which opened at the Agua Caliente Concourse at Palm Springs International Airport in California on 1 April.
The opening formed part of the airport’s new concessions programme designed to capture a sense of community.
Nine Cities Craft is popular for its craft beer, showcasing brews from the Coachella Valley, along with a complete full bar and food menu.
Paradies Lagardère has also unveiled a duo of dining concepts at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan where it operates F&B and retail concepts in the Concourse A extension.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers launched on 4 April, with Uccello’s Ristorante following on 2 July.
Freddy’s is a popular national franchise serving its signature cooked-to-order steakburgers and creamy frozen custard.
With multiple locations throughout Grand Rapids, Uccello’s features a broad selection of Italian classics such as pasta and pizza.
At Jacksonville International Airport, the concessionaire expanded its wine/bar restaurant concept Vino Volo with the new Verdi Market, which opened on 9 July.
More than doubling its original location on Concourse C, Vino Volo showcases a larger menu selection, adding breakfast, larger plates, craft beer on-tap and cocktails.
Verdi Market offers Jacksonville-based Pura Bean Coffee Co. with fresh bakery and grab-and-go items.
Beercode Kitchen & Bar made dual debuts at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut on 21 May and at Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania on 31 May.
The gastropub-style restaurant offers culinary specialities and supports local businesses by featuring homegrown craft beer, ciders and craft cocktails.
At Bradley International Airport, Beercode is the first sit-down restaurant in the Gates 21-30 concourse. It opens daily at 4am with breakfast and then serves lunch and dinner all day. 
