Palm Springs International Airport said it will double the number of restaurants and bring in more local representation with a new concessions program set to begin in 2023. Paradies Lagardère was awarded the food and beverage contract at the airport, while Marshall Retail Group was selected to operate the retail program. Both contracts are for 10 years.
“Our new concessions program will be transformative,” said Harry Barrett, executive director of aviation. “Our staff has spent countless hours working with the Airport Commission and community stakeholders to ensure that a local feel and sense of place will be created at PSP. The new concessions program will deliver an immersive Palm Springs and Coachella Valley experience for locals and tourists alike.”
Paradies Lagardère will replace all existing locations with new concepts that are a mix of local and national brands. Phase 1 of the buildout will include local favorites El Mirasol and Coachella Valley Coffee Co., Nine Cities Craft. Buzz By Bar Fly will be reimagined in a new location. Half Moon Empanadas will be built on an existing patio. The second phase of restaurant construction will begin in May 2024. It will include the addition of Vino Volo and local concept Trio.
Marshall Retail will renovate the airport’s retail spaces in one phase beginning in July 2023 and wrapping up in October. Marshall has partnered with dozens of area businesses to create a truly local Palm Springs and Coachella Valley shopping experience.
Marshall will open six retail shops along with PSP’s first duty free shopping experience. Their six retail concepts include Uptown Essentials, which will feature Amazon Just Walk Out Shopping, souvenirs, travel essentials, books, and gifts. Hey Joshua will showcase Joshua Tree National Park. Mojave Oasis will be a tribute to the relaxation and resort lifestyle for which Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are famous. In addition, Marshall Retail has partnered with the Palm Springs Certified Farmer’s Market as a curator of local gourmet foods and snacks to be sold at PSP. The Mojave Oasis will also offer an outdoor patio area named The Backyard Retreat. The company will also open its InMotion concept.
The Pink Door and I “heart” PS will be two automated retail zones with various travel needs. The Pink Door will be before the security checkpoint, and I “heart” PS will be in the Sonny Bono Concourse. Both will offer locally sourced foods, such as Crush Crush Cookies and Tutu’s Tortilla Chips, products, and other travel essentials.
PSP officials said that the airport’s new concessions program will increase the percentage of Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners, bringing total minority owned business participation to 10% of restaurants and 20% of retail.
