USA. Travel restaurateur SSP America has opened the first-ever Cincinnati Bengals-branded restaurant and bar at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
The dining venue – which replaces the Outback Steakhouse in Concourse B – features strong branding and memorabilia from the city’s famous National Football League (NFL) team. It adds a striking sense of place to the airport’s food & beverage line-up.
The football-themed restaurant offers the Bengals Breakfast, “starting line-up appetisers, half-time handhelds, field goal greens”, entrées, and a wide variety of rotating beers and cocktails.
Bengals Bar & Kitchen features large screens for watching NFL games, a display wall for autographed footballs, a selection of authentic Bengals merchandise, and orange and black décor.
A grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting for the eye-catching venue was staged last week (4 April), attended by Cincinnati Bengals Director of Strategy and Engagement Elizabeth Blackburn, SSP America CEO Pat Murray and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport CEO Larry Krauter.
Cincinnati Bengals’ ‘Ben-Gal’ cheerleaders and Who Dey, the team mascot, added cheer to the event.
Krauter said, “We are thankful to the Cincinnati Bengals and SSP America for bringing this unique concept to CVG. There is no better way to showcase Bengals Nation to all sports fans as they travel to and from our community than to welcome them into this comfortable venue to watch their favourite sporting events while enjoying a great culinary experience.”
Blackburn commented, “Bengals Bar & Kitchen is an energetic space that represents Who Dey Nation and the passion for sports in this region. It offers a warm welcome and immediately lets global travellers know they are in the Home of the Cincinnati Bengals.
“This restaurant and bar features thoughtful details to create a fun, authentic Bengals feel. Fans are already saying how they love seeing the space and we hope all travellers enjoy this unique experience at the airport.”
Murray said, “SSP America is proud to be part of today’s event, bringing the Bengals Bar & Kitchen to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. We take pride in showcasing a true taste of place in the communities we serve at every airport we operate in.
“We’re grateful to CVG and the Cincinnati Bengals for partnering with us to create this iconic, locally driven concept that offers passengers an authentic experience of Cincinnati and the spirit of the Bengals.”
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport noted the next openings in its F&B programme refresh will be new venues from Dunkin’ in Concourses A and B and Taste of Belgium in Concourse A. 
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