This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Officials at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday showcased local businesses that will be a part of the first overhaul of eateries and shops in half a century.
Companies offered a variety of food samplings and product information to assembled dignitaries and media representatives.
Amid more than 40national outlets will be local standouts such as Market Street Grill, Mill Creek Coffee, Cafe Rio, High West Distillery & Saloon, Salt Lake Pizza & Pasta, Veloce Cucina Toscana and Greek Souvlaki.
"Having these local businesses will offer visitors and residents alike the best taste of Salt Lake City," said airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann.
The businesses will be under the management of HMS Host, one of seven umbrella vendors operating the airport's concession areas. HMSHost is a part of Italy-based Autogrill Group, a leading provider of food and retail services, which manages 5,300 stores in more than 1,200 locations, including the 20 busiest airports in North America.
The Salt Lake airport makeover, which begins in August, will be conducted in stages, taking 18 months to complete. The overhaul follows a six-month selection process in which all of the airport's concession areas, plus some vacant areas, were bundled for bids to various vendors.
The Paradies Shops, based in Atlanta, was the big winner, landing half of the retail spots. The majority of merchants contracting with Paradies will be local, including Sam Weller's Bookstores, Sego Lily Spa, Red Onion, KSL News and the Deseret News.
Paradies operates more than 500 stores in more than 70 markets, including PGA Tour Shops, Brooks Brothers, Harley-Davidson and The New York Times Bookstores.
Other retail concepts with local connections include EA Sports' electronic games; the KidZoo, featuring stuffed animals and other products from Hogle Zoo; and Simply Books, encompassing the Children's Hour boutique.
The locally owned Salt Lake Brewing Co. will continue to operate Squatter's Pub Brewery, as well as Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and will add Vino Volo/Ale House and Jamba Juice.
The airport will have 67 shops, with at least 22 locally owned or in partnership with a national firm, said Brad Wolfe, the airport's commercial manager.
The airport, with nearly $75 million a year in sales, is a desirable retail hub. And with the makeover, revenue is expected to jump to $108 million, Wolfe said.
The airport operates as an enterprise fund — without general tax dollars — meaning it must maximize its internal revenue. Salt Lake's airport is the nation's 25th busiest.
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