Vantage Airport Group Celebrates the Opening of the New Kansas City International Airport Terminal

Vantage Airport Group (Vantage), an airport investment, development, and management company, today joined Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) to celebrate the opening of the brand-new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Vantage’s uniquely Kansas City-inspired concessions program featuring the best of the city’s beloved flavors, makers, history, and experiences delivered by local partners. 

“On behalf of Vantage Airport Group, I am delighted to celebrate the opening of this spectacular new terminal, which is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to transform the guest experience at MCI,” said Sammy Patel, Vice President, Commercial, Vantage Airport Group. “Congratulations to Pat Klein and KCAD for their unwavering partnership to create a transformational program at all levels, one with record-breaking ACDBE participation of over 60 percent.” 

Approved by Kansas City Council in October 2021, Vantage’s concession program sets a new benchmark in the industry for local and minority participation. Vantage assembled a high-caliber and diverse team for the pursuit of the new terminal, tapping into the experience of diverse local partners with strong roots in the Kansas City region. 

Vantage partnered with minority equity partners Parson + Associates, and RMD Holdings, and prime concession operators Outstanding Hospitality Management Concession Group, a Missouri based food and beverage business, and global airport retailer Marshall Retail Group. 

“I want to thank Vantage Airport Group and every stakeholder that had a piece of this project in the last ten years,” said Pat Klein, Director of Aviation, KCAD. “Vantage’s concession program will provide the highest level in customer service and amenities and convey a sense of place in the Kansas City region as we open the new front door to our community for Kansas Citians and our visitors.” 

The new terminal’s concession program harnesses the best of Kansas City with nearly 50 dining and shopping concepts, of which 80 percent are local to the region. Importantly, participation of Airport Concessions Disadvantage Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) in Vantage’s program exceeds the airport’s 16 percent stated goal by nearly four times at more than 60 percent.  

Distributed throughout the new terminal across its two concourses, the concession program nearly doubles the former airport’s offering. From the moment incoming and departing passengers arrive at the new MCI, they can enjoy regionally inspired dining, shopping, and experiences that are unmistakably made of and by Kansas City. Unique concepts and locations named after neighborhoods and cultural institutions elevate the travel experience.  

Two food halls feature outposts of popular local KC restaurants such as Bloom Baking Company, Bo Lings, and Parisi Coffee.  Made in Kansas City Marketplace, an immersive retail destination, offers a curated collection of locally crafted goods, gifts, and apparel from KC makers and retailers including Charlie Hustle and Christopher Elbow Chocolates. Other notable local brands now open in the new terminal include Brown & Loe, Meat Mitch, and Messenger Coffee.  

Director’s Cut Take 2 offers a unique barber and salon experience with a range of grooming and beaty services offered in inviting interiors that pay homage to its original location in the historic 18th & Vine neighborhood, the birthplace of jazz.  

Kansas City’s burgeoning craft brewery scene is well-represented in the new terminal, with Boulevard Brewing Co., Martin City Brewing Co, and Stockyards Brewing Co.  

Entertainment stages have been incorporated seamlessly into dining spaces throughout the new terminal, including a performance stage adjacent to Soiree Steak & Seafood House, in collaboration with the American Jazz Museum. In the Made of Kansas City Food Hall, the Jay “Hootie” McShann’s Blues Bar pays homage to this iconic KC musician. 

Strong relationships with local community and cultural institutions also come to life in the new program, with bespoke concepts such as Turn the Page KC by WH Smith, a book and gift retailer that supports the local literacy advocacy group for which it is named. Similarly, The Leagues Sports Lounge & Eatery in Concourse B features a Kansas City sports experience highlighting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s history and legacy in a powerful “Then & Now” exhibit. 

For legions of longtime and new Kansas City barbeque fans, the KC Barbeque Experience is another focal point of the new concession program. This expansive dining, shopping, and performance space offers authentic KC BBQ fare prepared by Smoke & Magic, the inaugural champion of the program’s annual pitmaster competition, which earned a one-year license to operate at MCI along with a cash prize. 

Global brands rounding out the commercial offer include &Go, Auntie Anne’s, Big Chicken, Cinnabon, Dunkin’, In Motion, Johnston & Murphy, Lego, and Smoothie King. 

The program is expected to generate significant economic activity over the course of the 15-year term, including the creation of more than 1,000 jobs, $1.5 billion in sales, and $50 million in sales tax for Kansas City. In addition to the investment of $65 million in the program, Vantage provided a $20 million opportunity fund and mentoring program, accessible to small, local, minority, and women-owned businesses now operating in the terminal.