Airport Experience® News - Post-Conference Issue 2023

Above: The High Flying Foods team of Glenn Meyers, CEO; Colton Meyers, real estate and restaurant development; Zac Meyers, associate director of real estate and construction; and Kevin Westlye, president, accept the award for Restaurateur with the Highest Regard for Customer Service. Also pictured (left) are Jamie Rhee, commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation; and Melissa K. Montes, publisher of Airport Experience News.

Above: Megan Horne, manager, concessions development; and Daphne Shelton director, concessions development at Edmonton International Airport, after accepting the award for Airport with the Best Commercial Management Team.

Above: SSP America’s Patrick Murray (left), deputy CEO; and Michael Svagdis, CEO, approach the stage to accept the award for Best Overall Restaurateur in the large companies division.

Above: Nick Crews (left) and Rob Crews make their way to the stage to accept the Best ACDBE Operator award.

Above: HMSHost’s Tyler Pitman, VP (left) and Steve Johnson, president and CEO (right); and FLL’s Bethany Schwerstein (center) accept the award for Best Casual Dining Concept.

Above: Gameway founders Jordan Walbridge and Emma Walbridge won in the Best Passenger Service category.

Above: The Best Bar Experience award went to SSP America. Accepting were Michael Svagdis: CEO and Dawn Hunter, vice president business development; and Sebastiaan Rotteveel, vice president marketing, innovation and concept development. Flanking the SSP team are Melissa K. Montes, publisher of AXN (left) and Penny May, chief commercial officer, Denver International Airport.

Above: Pauline Armbrust, vice president of marketing and communications for Areas USA, makes her way to the stage to accept the award for Best Local Inspired Restaurant.

DYNAMIC & ENGAGING CONCEPTS Each year, the industry ups the bar with new and innovative concepts and services that wow travelers. These hotly contested awards celebrate the offerings that have truly connected to travelers in airports throughout North America. The winners of the AX concept awards are: Best Passenger Service: Gameway Best Bar Experience – Large Airport Division: VyneWashingtonTasting Room by SSP America at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Best Bar Experience – Medium/Small Airport Division: The Canadian Brewhouse by ECGVentures Ltd at Edmonton International Airport Best Casual Dining Concept: Rocco’sTacos &Tequila Bar by HMSHost at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Best Quick Serve Restaurant Concept: Settebello Pizzeria byThe Grove, Inc. at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Best Local-Inspired Restaurant – Large Airport Division: The Blue Door Pub by Areas USA at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Best Local-Inspired Restaurant – Medium/Small Airport Division: Emeril’sTable by HMSHost at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Best Local-Inspired Store: Hip & Humble by Paradies Lagardère at Salt Lake City International Airport Best Lounge Experience: The American Express/Centurion Lounge at Denver International Airport

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