On the final night of its four-day conference, Airport Revenue News revealed the winners of its Best Airport & Concession Awards at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas.
“On behalf of the staff at Airport Revenue News, we would like to congratulate all of the award winners,” said Ramon Lo, publisher of ARN. “But this is also a time to celebrate the entire industry. The ARN Awards showcase how far airport concessions have come and how much more creative they continue to be. These are the industry’s awards.”
The process, which began in September 2015, involved the entire airport industry in soliciting nominations and then enlisted their help in short-listing the group to a narrower field of finalists. A committee of industry professionals then voted on the finalists to determine the ultimate winners in each category.
The ARN Awards program also shared the night with USA TODAY, as the media company presented the winners of its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. A set of awards was developed in partnership between ARN and USA TODAY to allow the traveling public the opportunity to vote on categories such as the best airports for dining and shopping, as well as restaurants and stores noted for being travelers’ favorites with regards to local dining and shopping, atmosphere and customer service.
Travis Seward, vice president of travel for USA TODAY, presented the USA TODAY awards.
“Airports play an important role in the traveler’s experience. Today, more than ever, travelers expect to be able to find an airport dining or shopping option to fit every lifestyle,” said Travis Seward. “With the help of over 83,000 voters, we are happy to present the winners of the 2016 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice awards for the airport category. Congratulations to all the winners.”
All winners will be featured in the upcoming April issue of ARN. This issue will also recap the many highlights from the 2016 conference.
Below is a comprehensive list of the categories and winners.
ARN Awards
Property Manager Of The Year
James Tyrrell, Philadelphia International
Airport With The Best Customer Service
Large: Denver International
Medium: Vancouver International
Small: Reno-Tahoe International
Airport With The Best Concessions Management Team
Large: Dallas/Fort Worth International
Medium: Nashville International
Small: Edmonton International
Airport With The Best Concessions Program Design
Large: Los Angeles International
Medium: Vancouver International
Small: Long Beach
Airport With The Best Overall Concessions Program
Large: Toronto Pearson International
Medium: San Diego International
Small: Pittsburgh International
Best New Specialty Retail Concept
Large operator: 7-Eleven by LS Travel Retail North America
Small operator: U.S. News & World Report by Pacific Gateway Concessions
Retailer With The Highest Regard For Customer Service
Large operator: InMotion Entertainment
Small operator: Pacific Gateway Concessions
Best Airport Retail Store Design
Large operator: Fred Segal by Hudson Group
Small operator: The Shoppes At Ocean Drive by NewsLink Group
Best News & Gift Operator
Large operator: Hudson Group
Small operator: Stellar Partners
Best Specialty Retail Brand Operator
Large operator: Paradies
Small operator: Metalsmith Sterling
Best Overall Retailer
Large operator: Paradies
Small operator: Stellar Partners
Best New Food & Beverage Concept
Large operator: 1897 Market by HMSHost Corp.
Small operator: Andiamo by Midfield Concession Enterprises
Food Operator With The Highest Regard For Customer Service
Large operator: HMSHost Corp.
Small operator: Vino Volo
Best Airport Restaurant Design
Large operator: Local Tavern by OTG Management
Small operator: Lemonade by Crews
Best Food & Beverage Brand Operator
Large operator: HMSHost Corp.
Small operator: Hojeij Branded Foods
Best Overall Food & Beverage Operator
Large operator: HMSHost Corp.
Small operator: Tastes On The Fly
Best DBE Operator
OHM Concessions Group
Best Franchisor
Chick-fil-A
Best Passenger Services
Centurion Lounge
Best Innovation
iPad Technology by OTG Management
Best Chef-Driven, Local or Regional Restaurant
Large operator: Bar Symon by Paradies
Small operator: Root Down by Mission Yogurt
Best Local Or Regional Retail Store
Large operator: Fred Segal by Hudson Group
Small operator: The Shoppes At Ocean Drive by NewsLink Group
Airport Bar Of The Year
Large operator: Le Grand Comptoir by SSP America
Small operator: Stone Brewing Co. by High Flying Foods
USA TODAY 10BEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
Best Airport Grab-And-Go Dining: Garrett Popcorn Shops – Chicago O’Hare International
Best Airport Bar: Whisky River – Charlotte Douglas International
Best Airport Bar/Restaurant Atmosphere: Phil’s BBQ – San Diego International
Best Airport Bar/Restaurant Wait Staff: Bar Symon – Pittsburgh International
Best Airport for Dining: Long Beach
Best Airport for Shopping: Miami International
Best Airport Local/Regional Dining: Elway’s – Denver International
Best Airport Newsstand/Travel Essential: Air Essentials – Miami International
Best Airport Shop for Local Merchandise: The Shoppes at Ocean Drive – Miami International
Best Airport Sit-Down Dining: Ruby’s Diner – George Bush Intercontinental
