Indy Airport Aims to Increase Local Retailer, Restaurant Presence

The Indianapolis Airport Authority hosted an information session on Nov. 8, for 120 businesses representing food, beverage, and retail companies interested in submitting proposals to open up shop at the airport.

The meeting was part of the airport authority’s concerted effort to bring more locally owned and operated retail and restaurant businesses, as well as locally sourced products, to the airport as more than three dozen existing concession leases will expire in 2018.

That wave of expirations will give the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) the opportunity to revamp its retail and restaurant offerings to align with research, industry trends, and passenger feedback. Travelers have indicated that they want more food and beverage variety, and they want it placed in more convenient locations, particularly in the post-security concourses.

“Over the last 10 years since the new terminal was built, the local Indianapolis food scene has flourished – gaining national recognition,” said Mario Rodriguez, IAA executive director. “As one of the top airports in the nation, it is key that we provide a passenger experience that includes both national chains and the talents and creativity of local businesses that have given Indianapolis its personality and flavor.”

Rodriguez said with a balance in variety also comes a need for balance in where those businesses are located in the airport. Currently more than 40 percent of the airport’s retail and restaurants are situated pre-security. However, sales data shows greater than 70 percent of dining and shopping take place in the concourses, only accessible after clearing security.

“Traveler feedback and sales data show us that we need to rethink the ratio of concessions in our pre-security Civic Plaza, and how that aligns to where travelers actually spend their time and money,” said David Shaw, IAA director of concessions and air service.

To find that balance, the IAA has been hosting outreach meetings with businesses over the past year, providing information about the airport’s concession plan and the upcoming proposal process, and creating networking forums for prime contractors and subcontractors to connect. Today’s session also included a tour of the terminal, and presentations on what is involved in operating a business at the airport.

“Bringing in successful local businesses will provide the airport’s passengers with a dynamic and unique experience of our local culture, and it will also continue to contribute to the $5.4 billion impact the airport makes to the local economy,” said Rodriguez.