Airports Council International-North America honored the winners of its Richard A. Griesbach Award of Excellence, Concessions Person of the Year and Airport Concessions contest during its Excellence in Airport Concessions Contest during its Airport Concessions Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., in November.
Vancouver International (YVR) was named the recipient of the Richard A. Griesbach Award for its concession program, which offers 167 shops, services and restaurants, as well as 10 zoned streets and plazas that showcase the regional areas of British Columbia. The airport uses artwork, water features, aquariums, and interior design and architecture to create mini town squares.
“Now in our 30th year of holding the Richard A. Griesbach Excellence in Airport Concessions Contest, ACI-NA congratulates Vancouver as this year’s overall award of excellence winner,” says ACI-NA President Greg Principato. “These award-winning entries help promote the innovative spirit within the airport concessions industry as well as showcase the best programs in North America.”
Dick Dickson, of The Paradies Shops, was named Concessions Person of the Year. Under his tenure, the company has been honored for achievement and distinction, including Airport Revenue News’ Retailer with the Highest Regard for Customer Service, Best Specialty Retail Brand Operator and Best Overall Retailer, and the American Minority Advisory Council’s Business Partner Award for the company’s disadvantaged business enterprise partnership plan.
“We are proud to honor Dick Dickson as this year’s ACI-NA Concessions Person of the Year,” says Principato. “Dick’s tenacity and commitment not only to The Paradies Shop but to the overall airport retail industry serves as an inspiration to his colleagues as well as those under his leadership.”
More than 140 nominations from airports throughout the United States and Canada were submitted for the concessions awards. First-place winners include:
– Best New Food and Beverage Concept: Nonna Bartolotta’s, General Mitchell International (MKE), operated by SSP America
– Best New Retail Concept: Kiehl’s Since 1851, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), operated by HMSHost Corp.
– Best “Green” Concession Practice or Concept: Alterra Coffee, MKE, operated by SSP America
– Best Consumer Services Concept: Secure Wrap, JFK, operated by Global Baggage Protection Systems
– Best Specialty Retail Program, Medium and Small Airport: Edmonton International (YEG)
Entries were judged by an independent panel comprised of professionals with no vested interest in concession operations or the outcome of an airport; one representative from the previous year’s overall winner was also involved in the judging contest.
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