Traverse City Record-Eagle

Grand Traverse County

March 30, 2010

Work on airport concessions to begin

FROM STAFF REPORTS

TRAVERSE CITY -- Work on a new food and beverage concessions set-up at Cherry Capital Airport begins this week.

Airport officials said construction will begin Thursday to expand the food and beverage options for airport customers. Airport director Stephen Cassens said officials crafted a new agreement with Cherry Country Traditions owners Heather and Tom Lemcool for an "umbrella" pact covering concessions on both sides of the airport's security checkpoint.

Cassens said the project will be completed in two phases. The first will include expanded food, beverage and gift offerings beyond the security checkpoint this summer, while the second phase to be built this fall will include construction of new booths and seating in an expanded food and beverage area. Concessionaires also are seeking a state liquor license to allow beer and wine sales for passengers, including the sale of local wines and other products beyond the security gate that passengers can take in their carry-on luggage.

"We want to make sure it's inviting and we have the kind of services that people are looking for," Cassens said of the upgrade. "It should boost sales of local wines."

The airport budgeted up to $125,000 for the project, Cassens said.

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