2013-02-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mayor Steve Bach joined representatives from SSP America and Colorado Springs Airport (COS) to welcome two new arrivals to the airport – Bristol Brewing Co. andNovo Coffee – with a grand opening celebration. The late Thursday afternoon event was commemorated with a special cask ale tapping ceremony, food and beverage samplings, and a shuffleboard tournament.
Cradled at the southern base of nationally famous Pikes Peak, the Colorado Springs Airport sits in one of the country’s most beautiful regions. The 12-gate, 280,000 square-foot gateway serves nearly two million annual passengers, is located close to 14 major ski areas and is just over an hour’s drive south of Denver. And now, travelers to the mountain region looking to sample an artisanal local brew while admiring the majestic panoramic views through the concourse windows will be spoiled for choice.
Located conveniently just before security, COS passengers, airport patrons and local residents are now officially welcomed at the gates of the city by Bristol Brewing Co. andNovo Coffee, serving a taste of the region’s flavors without leaving the airport.
Mark Earle, Director of Aviation for the Colorado Springs Airport, commented, “The Colorado Springs Airport is a primary gateway for business and leisure travel, and we believe that it should reflect the unique character of our city and its surrounding region. Over the past few years, we’ve completed a number of projects designed to make the terminal building look and feel more like Colorado Springs. Now, through our partnership with SSP, we are adding distinctly local food and beverage options to the mix. We’re proud to have Bristol and Novo, two great Colorado companies, join us at COS.”
Bristol Brewing Company brews fresh, distinctive beers for the people of Colorado, with bottles and draughts available across the state. At the airport Taproom, Bristol’s five flagship beers – Laughing Lab Scottish Ale, Red Rocket Pale Ale, Mass Transit Ale, Compass IPA and Beehive Honey Wheat – are on draught year-round, with special appearances by Bristol’s seasonal and specialty brews. For those who can’t decide, the Bristol Sampler features three-ounce samples of each available Bristol beer. In partnership with Bristol, SSP America is offering a full menu including starters, soups/salads, burgers and sandwiches, and five hot breakfast items.
Coffee connoisseurs are equally served with Denver-based artisanal roasters, Novo Coffee. Family-owned and operated since 2002, Novo Coffee is a roasting company committed to sourcing and roasting some of the world’s most flavorful coffees. Coffees are purchased through long-term relationships with farmers who share in Novo’s belief in sourcing only the highest quality beans grown with a commitment to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Roasting is done in small batches and profiled in a way to ensure that the inherent flavors in each coffee are brought to the forefront.
“SSP America is committed to bringing locally-loved brands to traveling consumers across North America,” commented Tom Waldron, Senior Director of Business Development for SSP America. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Colorado Springs Airport and introduce some of the finest local brews – either roasted with beans or hand-crafted with hops – to the passengers of COS. The tastes of the Colorado Springs region are as stunning as the landscape and we’re certain that visitors here will agree.”
“We’re excited that SSP America and the airport invited us to be a part of this project,” said Mike Bristol, owner of Bristol Brewing Co. “For 18 years, our goal has been to brew world class beer in this great city, and to invest in our community along the way. Now, we’re proud to be able to offer a taste of Colorado Springs at the gateway to the city.”