Airport Experience® News - Food & Beverage Issue 2025

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The new terminal space seeks not only to celebrate the region’s character, but to preserve it through sustainability measures, adds Bleiweis, noting that the AVLForward project employs electrochromic glass to manage utilities across the facility. “The newly designed concourse, which primarily faces west, features large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains,” explains Bleiweis. “However, the direct glare from the setting sun can become a significant nuisance for travelers and can heat the building significantly, creating a need for significant utility use. “To mitigate this issue, the concourse is equipped with electrochromic glazing, a technology that reduces glare and minimizes heat gain through the windows,” he continues. “This innovative solution not only enhances comfort for passengers but also allows for a reduction in the size of the HVAC system, all while maintaining the glass façade on the western side, preserving the aesthetic appeal and mountain views.”

breweries (Fonta Flora, French Broad Brewing; Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada, Asheville Brewing company and Wicked Weed breweries), a range of local confection and food products, local souvenir and gift stores and more. With so many new places to shop, dine and imbibe, Bleiweis and team believe that the new AVL will have a major impact on the region’s economy. “At present, AVL contributes nearly $4 billion in economic impact to the region annually, including supporting nearly 23,000 jobs (directly and indirectly) in the region,” he says. “This economic impact has increased significantly during the past few years, and we expect this trend to continue. The new airport terminal will support the current and future growth, and we expect

Local Focus For F&B, Retail Travelers will also be able to relish in new food, beverage and shopping options in AVL’s terminal spaces, says Bleiweis, noting that Paradies Lagardère will manage the airport’s dining and retail concepts. The first phase, set to open in summer 2025, will include locally driven souvenir boutique ​ The Goods@AVL; an outpost of national sandwich brand Jimmy John’s and a new location of popular made-to-order health focused Tropical Smoothie Cafe. The second phase will include the market-style Appalachian Exchange, a retail store offering regional goods; local coffee roaster Smoky Grounds; a new location of the popular gastropub Beercode Kitchen and Bar; a new outpost of well-known wine, craft cocktail and all-day eatery Vino Volo as well as two pre-security vending machines offering fresh grab-and-go snacks as well as Costa Coffee. ​ Paradies Lagardère will also partner with and showcase a number of products from local businesses from Buncombe, Jackson and Henderson counties, including several

Below: The new, seven-gate North Concourse opened in June, while an additional five gates in the South Concourse will come on stream by 2028.

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AX NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2025