"Airport plans to offer a taste of San Jose"

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Airport plans to offer a taste of San Jose
SOUTH BAY TRAVELERS INVITED TO SHARE THEIR IDEAS FOR RESTAURANT CONCESSIONS
IN NEW TERMINAL
By Michael Martinez
The San Jose (CA) Mercury News


How about a carne asada burrito or some lemongrass chicken before your
flight?

Travelers who use San Jose's new terminal in a few years may get to enjoy a
taste of South Bay cuisine before taking off. 

Although most airport dining is little more than a slice of pizza or a cold
sandwich, officials at Mineta San Jose International are hoping to add some
local flavor when they open a new terminal in 2010.

If San Francisco International can offer Boudin sourdough sandwiches, Irish
coffees from Buena Vista Cafe and pub grub from the Anchor Brewing Co.,
shouldn't San Jose's new terminal serve authentic Mexican and Vietnamese
food? 

Two years ago, San Jose officials surveyed more than 700 fliers and found
that most said they want sandwiches and salads at the airport. Chain
restaurants were also popular.

Bay Area eateries such as Max's, 360 Gourmet Burritos and Gordon Biersch are
already at the airport. And when officials look for concessions vendors this
spring, airport spokesman Rich Dressler said, they'll want to make sure that
local merchants are included.

"We're building a new airport and will have an opportunity to provide our
passengers with shops and restaurants that reflect the diversity, flavor and
excitement of San Jose and the region," Dressler said. "Our goal is to
create a unique identity for the airport by offering a blend of national,
regional and local brands." The concept has become popular at Oakland
International 

Airport, where See's Candy and 1/4 lb. Giant Burger are located in Terminal
1. Next month, new vendors such as Fenton's Ice Cream and Andale` will open
in Terminal 2.

"We need to support our companies here in the East Bay and the Bay Area and
give our travelers a sense of what Oakland can offer them, whether they're
arriving or departing," Oakland Airport spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes said.

Oakland's concessions also include a nod toward education. At the Knight's
Cafe, the hot tea, coffee and pastries are served by students from
Castlemont High School.

This summer, Training Grounds - a food concession similar to Knight's Cafe
and part of the Oakland-based Youth Employment Partnership - will open in
Terminal 2.

 Do you have an opinion about this story?
Share it with other readers in our CAA Discussion Forums

http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php


*****************************************