The San Antonio City Council approved a seven-year food, beverage and retail prime concession agreement with Paradies Lagardère at San Antonio International (SAT) that will include both local and national brands, but not Chick-fil-A.
The package includes restaurants such as The Luxury from local chef Andrew Weissman, Smoke Shack BBQ and Southern Kitchen, Boss Wood Fired Bagels & Coffee, Sip Brew Bar and Market, Local Coffee and retail outlets such as the Spurs Store with merchandize from the NBA San Antonio Spurs and iStore/Adina’s Market. One other concept will be decided at a later date.
But in approving the deal, the city council voted not to include a proposed Chick-fil-A because of concerns over the chain’s anti-LBGTQ stance and the fact that it’s not open Sundays.
“With this decision, the City Council reaffirmed the work our city has done to become a champion of equality and inclusion,” Councilman Roberto Treviño says in a press release. “San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we do not have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.”
Paradies Lagardère will also provide a coffee kiosk in the baggage claim area, several land-side food options, fast pay areas and charging stations at restaurants. The contract, which is expected to generate $2.1 million annually for the San Antonio Airport System, includes an option for Paradies Lagardère to renew each year for three years.
“This is a very exciting project because it will refresh the airport’s footprint, addresses traveler’s requests to have local and healthy options and will even allow travelers an avenue to order food from a mobile kiosk and avoid standing in a line”, says San Antonio Aviation Director Russ Handy.
