Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) offered a sneak peek into the newest addition to the airport’s concessions program last weekend.
Travelers were able to see some of the storefronts and brands at the nation’s newest terminal, set to open Sept. 17.
“We are extremely excited to launch this new chapter in Detroit Metro Airport’s award-winning concession program,” says Lester Robinson, Wayne County Airport Authority’s chief executive officer. “Our new North Terminal concession program will completely transform our passengers’ restaurant, retail and service experience at the airport. It will generate more than 740 new jobs, is projected to increase concession revenue to the airport by more than $7M annually and will generate $24M in new economic impact for the economy of Southeastern Michigan.”
The new concessions program will feature more than 40,000 sq. ft. of concession space, including 21 new restaurants and 14 retail venues. There will be local, regional and national brands, such as Borders, Coffee Beanery Hockeytown Café© and Gayle’s Chocolates. In addition, there will be food courts with grab-and-go favorites.
XpresSpa will bring massage and salon treatments to the airport, and ZoomSystems will operate automated stores selling electronic items and accessories.
The terminal also will have seven industry-first concepts: SI, the first-ever branded Sports Illustrated retail store, selling SI products as well as local professional and college team merchandise; USA TODAY Travel Zone, a convenience store and newsstand with three locations throughout the terminal; Hockeytown Café©, paying homage to the Detroit Red Wings; LeBoulanger, a European-style deli; Ruby Tuesday, offering American dining; Earl of Sandwich, with sandwiches, wraps and salads; and Legends Bar, honoring great heroes of Detroit with art glass panels.
Technology will also be featured in the new North Terminal.
“We really wanted our program and operators to set the bar high in the quality of their build-outs and their use of technology to create dynamic, high-quality customer experiences,” says Myrna Mendez, vice president of concessions and commercial real estate for the airport authority. “Many concession locations will feature flat-screen digital menu boards and retail displays, and our food courts will make use of self-service order kiosks to reduce lines. Some restaurants will even incorporate handheld ordering devices that staff can use to improve speed of service and reduce ordering wait times.”
