Andiamo, Chick-fil-A, P.F. Chang's, Zingerman's Deli Among New Dining Options At Detroit Metro Airport
ROMULUS (WWJ) - Things at Detroit Metro Airport are about to get a whole lot tastier.
The Wayne County Airport Authority this week approved the next phase in a major redevelopment of the airport's concession program, paving the way for 25 new food and beverage concepts that will transform the airport's restaurant and dining experience over the next year and a half.
The new concepts will include national brands such as: P.F. Chang's, Chick-fil-A, Longhorn Steakhouse, Bruegger's Bagels, Potbelly Sandwich Works and Pinkberry, along with local culinary favorites like Plum Market with Zingerman's Deli, Crave Robata Grill & Bar, Grobbel's Gourmet Deli, Papa Joe's Gourmet Market and Mezza Mediterranean Grille.
The plan also calls for the addition of Andiamo, the terminal's first upscale Italian restaurant, and a gate hold-room dining experience themed on Detroit's historic Eastern Market.
"This new McNamara Terminal Food and Beverage program will elevate our passenger's travel experience to new levels," Airport Authority CEO Tom Naughton said in a statement. "We think our customers will really enjoy and appreciate the new unique dining experience these venues will create."
Incorporation of innovative technologies such as use of iPad and tablet self-ordering stations, mobile point of sale devices, social media and web-based platforms, even a virtual concierge, will enable increased convenience, speed of service and opportunity for travelers to find and order exactly what they are looking for, even from the comfort of their gate areas, in several locations.
During the first full year of the program, sales are anticipated to be approximately $63 million, an increase of more than 47.5 percent above the current program.
Design and construction of the new concession spaces will start soon and is anticipated to be complete by the Fall of 2015. A smooth phased-in construction process will ensure service levels and revenue streams are maximized during the transition.
Descriptions of the new approved food and beverage concessions are provided below. Click here to see where each eatery will be located (.pdf format)
Package 1 -- The Eastern Market Dining Experience
Crave Robata Grill & Bar -- Anchor restaurant for the Eastern Market dining experience featuring Dearborn's own unique jazzy vibe and Master Chef Khalil Ramaden's inspired menu selections, such as Kobe beef burgers, robata-grilled Michigan Walleye, prime rib sliders and more.
Grobbel's Gourmet Deli -- founded in Detroit, Grobbel's is America's oldest corned beef specialist and will serve a variety of Michigan-inspired soups, burgers, gourmet salads, McClure pickled cucumbers and more.
The Shed -- Similar to the Shed 5 Project at Detroit's historic Eastern market, the concept will include a communal dining area complementing each of the concepts above, and feature a central lounge serving over 18 craft and domestic beers and choice Michigan wines.
Corridor Kitchen -- Detroit-based artisan meats, sausages and charcuterie.
Palazzola's Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto -- Serving frozen treats made to order fresh from uncompromised ingredients.
Coffee Beanery -- Michigan-based gourmet coffee company.
Andiamo -- Detroit's premier Italian restaurant and steakhouse, locally known and for its award-winning authentic cuisine, warm atmosphere and impeccable service.
Package 2
Espressamente Illy /Fountain Bar -- Italy's premier gourmet coffee and espresso brand known and served in many of the world's finest restaurants and coffee bars, complemented by contemporary and innovative Fountain Bar lounge adjacent to the terminal's water feature.
Package 3
PF Chang's China Bistro -- Often referred to as America's favorite Bistro, offering contemporary Chinese and Asian cuisine.
Longhorn Steakhouse -- Nationally recognized favorite for fresh steaks, ribs, chops, chicken and more.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop -- Made-to-Order sandwiches, and craveable salalds, soups, hand-dipped milkshakes, smoothies, fresh baked cookies and more.
Package 4
McDonald's - One of the most recognized brands in the world and leading quick-serve retailer, serving up all of your favorites.
Package 5 -- The Box Park Dining Experience
Chick-fil-A -- Famous for their creative "Eat mor Chikin" ads, fresh ingredients and hand-breaded chicken recipes, with only one other location currently in Michigan.
Bruegger's Bagels -- Fast casual bakery well known for it's New York-style bagels, Vermont cream cheese choices, custom roast coffee, fresh panini's, soups, salads, desserts and more.
Gordon Biersch -- Serving sophisticated gourmet food and a perfectly crafted and authentic German Lagers. Menu will be highlighted by items such as lobster and shrimp tacos, flame grilled strip steak and marzen ale barbeque burgers, all paired with handcrafted German ales.
Pinkberry -- Unique, proprietary fresh and frozen yogurts with hand-cut fruits and personalized toppings bar. Features healthy ingredients 100% free of high fructose corn syrups, hydrogenated oils and trans fats.
Plum Market / Zingerman's Deli -- Beloved Michigan/Ann Arbor area favorites, well known for locally-sourced natural, organic, and specialty items found in a high-end gourmet market. Famous Zingerman's made-to-order sandwiches and bakehouse favorites, along with Michigan wines and craft beers.
Bigalora Cucina -- Local Chef Del Signore's brings his Michigan-based handcrafted Napoletana-style pizza, made with select "Biga" yeast to DTW, along with rustic small plates, house-made ragus, and classic fresh Italian entrees.
Package 6
Mezza Mediterranean Grille -- One of the most successful Middle-eastern style restaurants in the Detroit Metropolitan area, Mezza will serve-up delicious fresh and healthy Mediterranean favorites in a unique atmosphere, centered around a real olive tree and contemporary courtyard setting.
Package 7
Sora -- No stranger to DTW, Sora ("Sky" in Japanese), is an award-winning Detroit original; one of the first airport restaurants to offer fresh authentic gourmet sushi. With a completely new design and warm décor, Sora will continue to delight with the artful mastery of its Japanese sushi chefs, new gorgeous design, and expanded Asian menu.
Package 8 -- Fire and Ice Dining Experience
Papa Joe's Dining Room -- Born from Michigan's own Papa Joe's Gourmet Market in Birmingham/Rochester, Papa Joe's will bring homemade soups, signature pizzas, freshly baked breads, and a prominent selection of fresh olives and cheeses from around the world to this brand new gate hold-room dining experience on DTW's B Concourse.
Embers Fire & Ice Lounge -- Complementing Papa Joe's Dining Room, this unique, contemporary lounge will serve customers throughout the surrounding gate areas with a broad selection of choice Michigan craft beers , wines from prized vineyards, and hot and cold libations.
Chili's Restaurant Bar & Grill / Papa Joe's Market -- At the intersection of Concourse B and C, this brand new concession space will feature fast, casual, popular tex-mex favorites from nationally- known Chili's Bar and Grill, complemented by fresh and convenient grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, salads and more from Papa Joe's Gourmet Market.
Max & Erma's -- A new location for a popular DTW favorite, Max & Erma's is well known for their fun, relaxed atmosphere. Famous for their fresh, never frozen burgers and friendly service, this restaurant will continue to please in its new home under the terminal's South Tram Station.