After just over a year of operation, the locally inspired concession program at the New Terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has been named winner of the FAB Airport Food & Beverage Offer of the Year for the Americas & Caribbean. The award recognizes the overall excellence of an airport’s F&B program and encompasses service standards, brand offer, commercial success, and other criteria. The program, developed by Vantage Group, along with the Kansas City Aviation Department, features nearly 50 diverse eating and shopping concepts of which 80% are local to the region – proudly showcasing Kansas City’s premier flavors, artisans, and history. Furthermore, the program is already generating significant economic activity including the creation of new jobs and transformative opportunities for small, local, minority businesses. It is expected to achieve an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation rate of more than 60%. This year, the airport also won top honors at the recent 2024 Airport Experience News Airport Excellence Awards, winning Best Overall Concession Program in the medium/small airports category as well as the 2024 Airport Council International – North America’s top prize of the Richard A. Griesbach Award for Excellence in Airport Concessions.

Finally, the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club at LaGuardia Airport was awarded the Airport Lounge Food & Beverage Offering of the Year. The Lounge, in partnership with LaGuardia Gateway Partners, Airport Dimensions, and JP Morgan Chase & Co, is the brand’s largest to date at 16,200 square feet and offers world class amenities including F&B, a children’s playground, and even private suites.