Louisville International Airport was recognized as top in the industry for its food and beverage and retail shop concession programs by Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) at the 2018 Excellence in Airport Concessions Awards. Louisville International, and its food and beverage operator HMSHost International, Inc., received first place for “Best Food and Beverage Program” for small airports. This was moments before the airport, along with gift and news operator Paradies Lagardère took top honors as the “Best Retail Program” for small and medium airports across North America.
“Our award winning food and retail concepts ensure that we are distilling great experiences for both local and out of town guests,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “The goal of the terminal enhancements that were completed last year was to give travelers an authentic experience of our community. We are thrilled that we, along with our dedicated business partners HMSHost and Paradies Lagardère, have been able to do so. It’s an honor to be recognized by the industry for the outstanding work that happens at Louisville International every day.”
Two of Louisville International Airport’s offerings also received individual honors. Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen was awarded first place in the “Best New Food and Beverage FullService Concept,” besting Vancouver International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, who rounded out the top three. Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen is operated by HMSHost International, Inc. Distillery District Marketplace, which now offers packaged liquor sales, received second place for “Best New News and Gift Concept,” with Los Angeles International Airport taking first place. Paradies Lagardère operates Distillery District Marketplace.
Louisville International Airport’s concession programs blend local flavor and well-known offerings. Food and beverage outlets include Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen, The Comfy Cow, Coal’s Artisan Pizza, Starbucks Evenings, The Bourbon Academy Tasting Room, KFC, Smashburger, Chili’s and Starbucks. Retail shops include TODAY, Distillery District Marketplace, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Brighton, Louisville Slugger, Churchill Downs, WAVE3 NBC Travel Store and Brooks Brothers. ACI-NA’s annual Excellence in Airport Concessions Awards program recognizes airports and concessionaires with creative, successful concession programs and helps to promote innovative spirit within the airport concession industry. This year’s winners were announced on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 as part of the ACI-NA 2018 Business of Airports Conference in Portland, OR. Click here for a complete list of all award winners.
