The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) approved more than four-dozen new shops and restaurants at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Monday, the Star Tribune reported.
As a result, travelers passing through the busy Midwest airport can expect to see changes within Terminal 1's main mall as well as throughout the airport's concourses, with the exception of recently overhauled Concourse G.
Local craft beer pub Republic, McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul and Stillwater's LoLo American Kitchen headlined the businesses approved by the MAC, and were joined by St. Paul-based lingerie shop Flirt Boutique, Minnie & Paul's Twins Grill sports bar, Smack Shack and Angel Food Bakery.
Meanwhile, James Beard semifinalist chef Kim Bartmann was among those business owners shut out. Bartmann's restaurant was accompanied by Buffalo Wild Wings and several other restaurant proposals on the losing end of the MAC's decision.
"I guess a national award-winning local operator isn't good enough for the MAC," Bartmann told the Star Tribune.
The Chili's located in the airport's main terminal is also on the way out, and will be replaced by restaurant and craft brewery Stone Arch.
Construction on the new businesses will begin this October, with the extensive renovation project expected to be completed in 18 months. Airport officials will stagger development efforts over that time in an effort to minimize headaches for travelers.
Citing Airport Revenue News, the Star Tribune reported the airport market for retail outlets and restaurants in North America stands at $9 billion. What's more, the program generates more than $180 million in annual sales and roughly $25 million per year in rent for the commission, the MAC said.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
