Airport food aficionados, take note. Over the course of the next 12 months-plus Houston’s airports will be introducing a variety of new appetizing options for your dining pleasure at the airport. From the healthy and light Colombo Yogurt to the multiethnic breads at Panapolis, travelers will find something for everyone – even the pickiest of connoisseurs. Subway, Wendy’s, Starbucks and the rest of the classics will also be back, albeit in an upgraded form and infrastructure. The Houston Airport System (HAS) is embarking on an ambitious plan to renovate and improve the selection of concessions at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby airports. It is a massive undertaking that airport authorities say is the result of consumer demand and preference. “We looked at what other airports around the world were offering and then asked our travelers what they would like to see in Houston,” says Randy Goodman, airport business development coordinator for HAS. “Many wanted to experience more local cuisine, while others just wanted more coffee shops around the terminals. Any time we add a new amenity to the airports the goal is to make sure the business model will be successful for all parties involved, including our travelers, the business owner and our airports.” IAH’s Terminal C will be the primary location of renovations, which will be completed in four phases throughout the next several months, although Terminal D and Hobby Airport will also see additions.

© Houston Airport System Catering To The Customer.  Houston's airports will unveil an even more diverse selection of eateries and concessions over the course of next year.

Phase 1 began on July 1, 2008 and will run though November 15, 2008. It includes the development of restaurants such as The Grove and Upper Crust North, El Pinto Cantina, Peet’s Coffee, Panapolis, Upper Crust South, Center Bar and La Grand Comptoir.

Phase 2 will run from January 1, 2009 to April 30, 2009 and will include the addition of the Real Food Company.

The last two phases will take place over the final seven months of 2009 and culminate with the development of The Palm Restaurant, Panda Express, Wendy’s, ZPizza, Subway, Popeye’s, Einstein’s Bros., Mission Burrito and Buffalo Wild Wings.

All restaurants are scheduled to be open and ready to serve passengers by December 31, 2009.

“People are attracted to new stores,” says Goodman. “With the new stores in the airports we have seen a drastic increase in revenue.”

Responsible for these developments, along with the Houston Airport System, is JDDA Concession Management. The international firm administers concessions operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and is looking to give the airport a new feel.

“We offer very diverse concession options here within the Houston Airport System,” says Goodman. “We offer something for everyone from a grab and go to a sit down establishment if you have a layover.”

Upgrades at other terminals includes the addition of “make it yourself burgers” at Fuddruckers, a new Schlotzsky’s Deli and a Peet’s Coffee & Tea in Terminal A North. These establishments are set to open within the next month and a half.

The high-end Western wear boutique, Stelzig Ranch Store will add a second storefront at IAH in Terminal D. The Paradies Shops, another concession operator at Houston’s largest airport, will bring the KidZoo concept to Terminal D in October of this year. KidZoo is a children’s store that features a zoo theme consisting of stuffed animals, t-shirts, souvenirs and a wide variety of toys.

“Ultimately, having the right type of concessions at the airport means having more satisfied customers,” says Mary Case, Hobby airport manager. “I know when I travel the types of concessions that are available at the airport really make a difference.”

Case adds that business has been great for the new Pappadeuax at Hobby Airport, which opened just a few weeks ago. Buffalo Wild Wings and Dot’s Deli will also be opening soon at the city’s second-largest airport.

“We will keep adding as long as the demand is there,” concludes Goodman. “Our market is strong and will continue growing.”

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