KANSAS CITY, Mo — Construction for the new terminal at the Kansas City International Airport is underway, and so are plans to fill it with plenty of concession options for travelers.
"You think of a great opportunity to provide passengers through our facility with a true taste and experience of Kansas City, which, one we recognize isn't necessarily delivered today," Justin Meyer, Deputy Director of Aviation at KCI said.
Meyer said the current airport design limits which food you can get based on the airlines, which can hinder the passengers' experience.
"We are really excited that with the new terminal design, once you are through security, you will have access to every single concession we have behind security, not just based on what's near your gate," he said.
On Tuesday, business owners met with the airport to see how they could get their store or restaurant in the building.
One restaurant wanting in on the business at the terminal is Minsky's Pizza.
"I think Minsky's has a great following in the metro," Brian Clyne, a partner with Minsky's said.
Airport leaders are hoping the concessions will all be from Kansas City, which Minsky's said gives them a leg up on national chains.
"I think we are a great representation of Kansas City. It would mean a lot to us to see people on their way out of Kansas City and people on their way into Kansas City," Clyne said.
Small business owners like Kevin Oldham, who is co-owner of "The Smoothie Shop," said the opportunity to be at KCI could help expand his brand.
"Just having our brand in front of folks in this brand new cornerstone of our community, it would just be amazing," he said.
Officials at the airport want to show anyone who comes through the airport that Kansas City is the place to be.
"Our customers are passengers. When they are flying through the airport, they know exactly where they are before they even leave the building," Meyer said.
There will be several more opportunities to go to a meeting to discuss the concessions, including Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Southeast Community Center.
To learn about upcoming concessions meetings and the application process, visit the KCI website.
