The Kansas City Aviation Department and Vantage Airport Group on Monday celebrated the opening of the brand-new $1.5 billion, single terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
The one-million square feet, 40-gate terminal, which is expandable to 50-gates if needed, features a modern look with dedicated arrival and departure levels, consolidated security checkpoints and moving walkways in a spacious structure filled with natural light and Kansas City’s signature fountains.
Vantage, an airport investment, development, and management company, partnered with minority equity partners Parson + Associates, and RMD Holdings, and prime concession operators Outstanding Hospitality Management Concession Group, and global airport retailer Marshall Retail Group on the new concessions program.
The new terminal has nearly 50 dining and shopping concepts, 80% of which are local to the region.
“On behalf of Vantage Airport Group, I am delighted to celebrate the opening of this spectacular new terminal, which is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to transform the guest experience at MCI,” said Sammy Patel, vice president, commercial, for Vantage. “Congratulations to Pat Klein and KCAD for their unwavering partnership to create a transformational program at all levels, one with record-breaking ACDBE participation of over 60 percent.”
The new terminal features two food halls offering local brands such as Bloom Baking Company, Bo Lings, and Parisi Coffee. Made in Kansas City Marketplace offers a curated collection of locally crafted goods, gifts, and apparel from KC makers and retailers including Charlie Hustle and Christopher Elbow Chocolates.
Other notable local dining options now open in the new terminal include Brown & Loe, Meat Mitch, and Messenger Coffee. The KC Barbeque Experience is another focal point of the new concession program, offering authentic KC BBQ fare prepared by Smoke & Magic.
Director’s Cut Take 2 offers a unique barber and salon experience with a range of grooming and beaty services while Boulevard Brewing Co., Martin City Brewing Co, and Stockyards Brewing Co. all feature local inspired designs and offerings.
Global brands rounding out the commercial offer include &Go, Auntie Anne’s, Big Chicken, Cinnabon, Dunkin’, In Motion, Johnston & Murphy, Lego, and Smoothie King.
On the retail side, Marshall Retail Group and InMotion, both WHSmith brands, opened 10 retail concepts in the terminal. Among the new stores are 18th & Vine, a one-stop-shop for all travel essentials, designed to honor the historic 18th & Vine jazz district; Made in KC Marketplace, which showcases products from dozens of local vendors and makers; a LEGO Travel store; City Market KC, modeled after the popular city market in the River District of Kansas City; Turn the Page KC bookstore; and others.
“Vantage’s concession program will provide the highest level in customer service and amenities and convey a sense of place in the Kansas City region as we open the new front door to our community for Kansas Citians and our visitors,” said Pat Klein, MCI’s director of aviation.
