By Philip Newman
Shops and restaurants at LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International and Newark airports have won first place awards for excellence.
Airport Retail News, an industry publication, cited the airports, all operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in Best Concessions 2002 Competition.
Terminal Vendors and Operators at the three airports also earned 15 second place, third place and fourth place awards.
Terminal 7 at JFK won the Best Overall Program award and Terminal with the Best Innovative Services award.
Figs restaurant at LaGuardia’s Central Terminal tied for first place among small companies for Best New Food and Beverage Concept. Figs also finished second for Best Airport Food and Beverage Operator and third for Best Airport Restaurant Design.
“As more and more passengers return to airports across the country, it’s more important than ever to provide high levels of customer service,” said Port Authority Director of Aviation William DeCota.
“The development of outstanding shops and restaurants is an important part of the Port Authority’s record $15 billion public-private airport redevelopment program. These awards and numerous others that the Port Authority’s airports have won in recent years, clearly show that Kennedy, Newark and LaGuardia are sustaining excellence.”
The competitors were judged by 12 concessionaires who are industry experts. Airport Retail News is based in West Palm Beach, FL.
