|
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) board approved a slate of new and redesigned concepts for the redevelopment of Terminal 2 concessions at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the first major change of offerings there in more than a decade.
Three operators were selected to develop six food, beverage or retail venues. The venues will be located in existing locations or in new spaces that are part of the $263 million Terminal 2 expansion project on the north end, which will be completed by early 2027. The MAC board also authorized staff to initiate direct negotiations with potential concessions operators for a new full-service restaurant and a separate full-service bar to open in conjunction with the other venues between 2026 and early 2027.
“We had quality proposals from national and local operators, and we have a great mix of concepts, offerings and value options that will meet growing passenger levels with keen attention to the latest service trends,” said MAC Vice President, Commercial Revenue Officer Isabella Rhawie. “Along with these new and updated concepts, operators will introduce more convenience options, including 24-hour service or order-ahead features.”
All selected proposers are local Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (ACDBE) operators chosen through a highly publicized request for proposals process. The approved proposals were grouped into four batches, all with 10-year terms.
Batch 1 - News and convenience Operator: MSP North Star Partners LLC Concept: Hometown Market Location: Terminal 2 Center Description: Hometown Market will feature the designs of Minnesota-based mural artist and designer Ashley Mary and will offer a rotation of 36 local vendors, showcasing Minnesota’s vibrant businesses, such as Larissa Loden, Northmade Co., Cindy Lindgren, 218 Clothing + Gift, and Cedar and Cypress Designs. Hometown Market will also sell officially licensed Prince products, joining the Terminal 1 Prince store as the only brick-and-mortar location outside of Paisley Park where these items are available.
Batch 2 - Full-service restaurant and bar Operator: TBD. The MAC will conduct direct negotiations with interested operators. The MAC board will consider staff recommendations and lease terms at a later date. Location: Terminal 2 Center (bar) and North Expansion (restaurant)
Batch 3 - Coffee Operator: Caribou MSP Airport Concept: Caribou Coffee Location: Terminal 2 Center and North Expansion Description: Caribou MSP Airport has operated at MSP for nearly 30 years. The new Terminal 2 center location will include a 24-hour self-serve station featuring Caribou’s specialty-grade coffee and espresso-based beverages. The venues will offer order-ahead and counter service. The new Terminal 2 north location will feature a lounge-style setting with upcycled arts and wood to showcase the Minneapolis and St. Paul skylines.
Batch 4 - Quick-serve restaurants Operator: JMLM Restaurants Inc. Concepts: Subway, McDonald’s, illycaffè Locations: Terminal 2 Center (Subway, McDonald’s) and Terminal 2 pre-security (illycaffè) Description: The successful Subway venue will be refreshed and joined by McDonald’s — both offering familiarity and strong brand recognition for passengers. JMLM Restaurants will bring MSP’s first illycaffè to the Terminal 2 lobby, offering beverage options for both passengers and visitors. Touchless ordering and mobile app features will help expedite service.
Once the eight new units are developed, MSP’s concessions program will grow to 123 food and beverage, retail, news and convenience, banking, and other service units.
MSP is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among mega airports by J.D. Power. It is the 18th busiest U.S. airport by total passengers, serving 37.2 million travelers in 2024.
Quotes from selected concession operators:
Manny Perez, president and owner of JMLM Restaurants Inc.: “JMLM Restaurants is honored to be selected to continue serving passengers at MSP’s Terminal 2 and growing our services with three great brands in Subway, McDonalds and illycaffè. We will incorporate new technology in our new venues to offer digital ordering and ready-on-arrival pick-up for our guests.”
Kerry Forbes, managing partner, Caribou MSP Airport: “Caribou MSP Airport is very pleased to be selected by the MAC and honored to be a part of the exciting evolution of MSP Airport’s Terminal 2 North Expansion. We are proud to continue sharing the Caribou brand with the world and providing exceptional experiences for MSP travelers wherever they are on their journey.”
Paddy Regnier, joint partner, MSP North Star Partners LLC: “MSP North Star Partners is excited to introduce our proprietary convenience store brand, Hometown Market, to Terminal 2. Our store will feature an array of locally sourced food and gifts, with vibrant art by Minnesota’s own Ashley Mary incorporated into our store design. It will also feature ‘Minne-Market’ — a shop in a shop with expanded offerings such as Prince merchandise and local product lines currently only in Terminal 1.”
|
