Milestone Part of Near-Total Overhaul of Concessions to Enhance Passenger Experience at the Nation’s Airports
Washington, D.C., 2016-Feb-23 — /Travel PR News/ — Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport announced that their massive overhaul of nearly every store and restaurant has reached a major milestone with the opening of the 100th new shopping and dining option between the two airports. The 100th new concession – Erwin Pearl, a fashion jewelry brand crafted in Rhode Island providing high quality accent and statement pieces – opened at Dulles International on February 11, just 21 months into the four-year redevelopment program.
“From the beginning of the redevelopment, our focus has been to bring a new variety of shopping and dining options to the airports, providing our passengers with local, regional and national favorites that will enhance and highlight their time with us,” said Steve Baker, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority vice president for customer and concession development, who has headed up the transformation. “Our passengers’ journeys begin with us, and we want to make sure that beginning is a positive, memorable experience.”
Establishing both airports with world-class food and retail, as well as creating a sense of place that incorporates the uniqueness and identity of the National Capital Region, has been a top priority for the Airports Authority and its concession manager MarketPlace Development.
“Reagan National and Dulles International are gateways to our nation’s capital. It’s vital that the airport food and retail offerings express the character of the D.C. metropolitan area and fulfill the needs of the modern traveler,” says Paul McGinn, President of MarketPlace Development.
Passengers at Dulles International can now indulge in a selection of specialty brands and local favorites, including: Burberry, Montblanc, L’Occitane, Michael Kors, Swarovski, Coach, Estee Lauder/M.A.C, Kiehl’s, Thomas Pink, Tumi, Vera Bradley, Vineyard Vines, American Tap Room, &pizza,Bracket Room, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, District ChopHouse, Smashburger, D.C.’s own Chef Geoff’s, and ABC’s “The Chew” host Chef Michael Symon’s Bar Symon.
Passengers flying in and out of Ronald Reagan National Airport can now enjoy noteworthy offerings that include: D.C.’s Ben’s Chili Bowl, Chef Mike Isabella’s Kapnos Taverna, ABC’s “The Chew” host and Top Chef alumnus Carla Hall’s partnership with Page restaurant, Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s partnership with Reservoir restaurant, Legal Sea Foods, Lebanese Taverna, Taylor Gourmet, Cava Mezze Grill, American Tap Room, &pizza, Spanx, Tumi, Brighton, Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, andVineyard Vines.
The redevelopment remains ongoing at both airports. In coming months passengers will see additional new offerings, including Wolfgang Puck’s “The Kitchen” at Dulles International and “Big Bowl,” serving authentic Thai and Chinese cuisine, at Reagan National. Further announcements of new stores and restaurants will be made in the coming months.
A full list of stores and restaurants at Dulles International can be found here, and a list of offerings at Reagan National can be found here.
About the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority:
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, the Dulles Airport Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road and also manages construction of the Silver Line project, a 23-mile extension of the Washington region’s Metrorail public transit system through Fairfax County and into Loudoun County, Virginia. More than 44 million passengers a year pass through the two airports. The Airports Authority generates more than 387,000 jobs in the National Capital Region.
About MarketPlace Development:
MarketPlace Development develops and manages airport retail programs across the country. A recognized industry leader for over 20 years, MarketPlace Development works in partnership with airports and airlines to enhance passenger satisfaction and maximize revenue. The Massachusetts-based company is responsible for the concessions programs at LaGuardia Airport – Terminal B, Philadelphia International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport, and has also worked with numerous airports and airlines across the country. Visit www.marketplacedevelopment.com for more information.
Media Relations Team:
Chris Paolino, Manager, 703-417-8338
Rob Yingling, Assistant Manager, 703-417-8744
Kimberly Gibbs, Assistant Manager, 703-417-1210
SOURCE: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
###
Fashion jewelry brand Erwin Pearl the 100th new concession at Dulles International