On Thursday, Tampa International (TPA) revealed that 13 food and beverage, retail, service and duty-free packages will be up for bid. The airport, operating with a single concessionaire since the terminal opened in 1971, plans to make contracts available to multiple operators. The contract with its existing operator will expire in 2015.
“Our new concessions program is designed to provide the best mix of restaurants, shops, bars and services throughout the airport that best serve our passengers’ needs,” said Bhavesh Patel, director of concessions for TPA. “This is the first time in more than 40 years that we have embarked on redeveloping our entire airport concessions program, and we plan to introduce new concepts and offerings that will both reflect the spirit of Tampa Bay and create a memorable dining and shopping experience for our customers.”
The new program will feature six food and beverage packages ranging from three to 11 units located both airside and landside. Additionally, four retail packages that include three to 14 units will be located both airside and landside. Two service packages for nail salons, barber shops and spas will have four to five units apiece and will be airside. There will be one duty-free package that contains two units.
The airport will begin soliciting competitive proposals this summer with an eye toward awarding contracts in 2015. All new businesses are targeted to be in place by 2017, with several stores and restaurants to begin opening by the end of 2015.
For more information on TPA’s redevelopment program, go to http://www.tampaairport.com/airport_business/concessions/main.asp
