The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) board of commissioners has awarded a 10-year concessions contract to Fraport USA to improve the concessions experience via a new business model, which allows Nashville restaurateurs and retailers to independently operate and fully control their restaurants and shops at Nashville International Airport (BNA).
MNAA’s previous concessions model generally did not allow for independent, local ownership of the concessions and retail shops at BNA. The new model will feature ‘street pricing,’ meaning airport concessions will be priced at a level equivalent to what a passenger would find for the item at a similar location outside the airport.
The concession contract includes the design, construction, lease and management of approximately 69,000ft² (6,400m²) of concessions space throughout BNA. Fraport will lease space to local business owners who will independently manage their restaurants and shops.
A Dexter Samuels, chair of the MNAA board of commissioners, said, “From listening to our passengers and the community at large, it became clear that the time had come to reimagine BNA’s concessions program.
“After a careful and comprehensive planning, research and competitive bid process, Fraport was awarded the concessions contract and will implement a program that brings local restaurant owners and retailers to the airport that will truly transform our passengers’ experience.
“BNA will soon be home to some of the well-known names that put Nashville’s culinary scene on the map, as well as smaller, more diverse restaurants and shops that make Nashville distinctive.”
The new program is also designed to increase opportunities for disadvantaged businesses. MNAA has set a goal for 22.6% involvement of Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE), but the new concessions agreement will ultimately produce ACDBE participation of 40% over the life of the contract.
Doug Kreulen, president and CEO for MNAA, commented, “We want BNA to reflect our great city in every way possible, and we’re proud to say that this new concessions agreement will serve to create a more authentic Nashville experience at the airport.
“The moment you arrive at BNA, we want it clear that this is Music City, with the sights, sounds and tastes the Nashville brand implies. This new model will amplify the experience for travelers, while also providing new opportunities for chefs, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs of all kinds.”
Leasing and construction will begin February 1, 2019, with an anticipation of new restaurants and retail shops opening later the same year.
Ben Zandi, president and CEO at Fraport, added, “We’re excited to begin working with the airport authority and look forward to creating a breakthrough program that elevates the customer experience at Nashville International Airport.
“This is Music City, and we have set our sights high in terms of bringing that star quality to the travel experience. We aim to set a new standard for passenger satisfaction at BNA.”