Category: Concessions

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Fresh off Met Gala fever, Atlanta tastemakers gathered at the world’s busiest airport to view, shop and share curated looks at the second annual Global Runway.

Drawing hundreds, the fashion event May 16 showcased ATL Skypointe, a program designed for guests to shop, dine and explore more than 300 retail, restaurant and service venues at Hartsfield-Jackson. The program generated more than $1 billion in gross sales in 2016.

Concessions Marketing Manager Pam Simmons called Global Runway a success, with 3.4 million social media impressions and counting.

“While the mission to increase awareness of ATL Skypointe remained the same [as last year’s debut], we aimed to do it on a bigger scale,” said Simmons, who organized the event at the International Terminal.

Hosted by InStyle Magazine editor and fashion influencer Kahlana Barfield, Global Runway featured spring/summer 2018 collections from Brooks Brothers, Spanx, Sean John and ExOfficio. In addition, a photo/video booth, silent auction, massages and various retail pop-up shops rounded out the experience.

Bids for the silent auction benefited Bert’s Big Adventure, a local nonprofit founded by radio personality Bert Weiss that takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses on a Disney World vacation.

Bert’s Big Adventure participant Kennedy Morgan found her stride modeling a navy Brooks Brothers dress.

“She’s a beautiful young lady who is so strong,” Simmons said of the 12-year-old. “It made all of us so happy to be able to create an experience for her that she will never forget.”

Attendees wore their own statement-worthy looks – from designer patent leather stilettos to colorful satin robes – while ATL brought its own fashion forward with two Airport-themed shirts, one of which was hand-designed by ATL Digital Marketing Specialist Devin Pascoe.

10 Squared CEO Angela Watts, who produced the event, brought in New York-based Barfield to host and local artist Stephanie Gentry to sketch fashion silhouettes of attendees.

We wanted to incorporate some different experiences, Watts said, adding that the expansion of film and television in the metro area has played a key role in the vibrant community.

“At this point, Atlanta is ready for fashion,” Watts said.

Indeed, as ATL Skypointe’s diversity of retail offerings at every price point ensures there is something for everyone, Simmons said.

“People know that we are the world’s busiest and most traveled,” Simmons said. “But we aim to make them also see that we are more than just an airport. We aim to curate the traveler’s experience from the time they set foot in the Airport to the time they board their flight.”

 

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

 

Hundreds of ATL travelers and guests filled their bellies for a good cause at the world’s busiest airport. The Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson transformed the Domestic Terminal atrium into a communal feast, raising more than $11,151 for No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit fighting childhood hunger.

Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. shared that while Hartsfield-Jackson is known for many things, its award-winning concessions program deserves to be celebrated.

“In 2016, our concessions program grossed more than $1 billion dollars in sales for the first time in our Airport’s history,” Council said to Taste attendees on Nov. 1.

“But beyond monetary success, our concessions program boasts an assortment of dining options.”

With more than 75 items to sample from more than 30 restaurants, attendees waited patiently in popular lines including Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, Atlanta Chophouse and Phillip’s Seafood. Tasters voted Papi’s “Best Restaurant” for its assortment of Caribbean dishes, including shrimp and grits, jerk chicken, black beans and yellow rice.

Radio personality and ‘Atlanta Eats’ host Steak Shapiro presented the timed chef’s challenge, which pitted Delaware North Executive Chef Rich Bolton against HMSHost Chef de Cuisine Pamela Place. The 20-minute competition featured celebrity chef Cat Cora, prominent restaurateur Tom Catherall and Airport Deputy General Manager Cortez Carter judging each dish.

Place won the challenge with a seared pork loin paired with a secret ingredient: apple pie moonshine.

“I was given a personal compliment from chef Cat Cora, which means a lot in my career,” the 20-year industry veteran said. “But hearing and overseeing the audience’s responses and reactions was exciting.”

Place, who works at Atlanta Chophouse and Umaizushi on Concourse C, revealed it’s always best to incorporate fresh ingredients when cooking.

“[Herbs] liven and open up the flavors of the food,” Place said. “Fresh basil and fruits together complement and enhance each other. Basil offers a savory balance, whereas, when using citrus they tend to make the essence of the food pop. Atlanta Chophouse’s salmon was given much praise from the audience as well as Carrabba’s lasagna. I was very proud in the growth my team has shown each year in the participation of the Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson.”

Event organizer and Concessions Marketing Manager Demetria Wideman also praised this year’s results that, in addition to raising funds for No Kid Hungry, donated more than 520 pounds of food from 14 participating restaurants to the Atlanta Mission.

“The funds raised set a record for the event. The crowd size increased as well,” Wideman noted.

“That equates to great exposure for the concessions program as people are able to try food from several different locations and hopefully return to patronize them in the future. Most importantly, the event helps the most vulnerable in our community — children and the homeless.”

Allison Palestrini, Southeast Director of Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry, shared that although one out of four kids in Georgia lives in a home that struggles with hunger, it is a “solvable problem.”

“Together, we’ll make sure no kid in our nation goes hungry and they all get the healthy food they need every day,” Palestrini said.

“It is like an event trifecta – business, stakeholders and community,” Wideman added.

“We all win, and that makes it all worthwhile.”

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

 

Style was found at every turn this week during Global Runway, the Airport’s first-ever fashion event.

The May 18 presentation showcased luxury brands at every price point, from jewelry and accessories to T-shirts and blazers. These retail offerings were just a few represented by ATL Skypointe, an elite way to shop, dine and explore at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.

“Beyond being a major hub in the global transportation network, Hartsfield-Jackson is also a major hub for quality retail brands,” said ATL Director of Concessions Chilly Ewing. “That makes this Airport the perfect backdrop to showcase collections available through our award-winning concessions program.”

Media, influencers and fashion industry professionals mingled at the International Terminal to see the unveiling, hosted by charismatic style and beauty expert Emily Loftiss.

Male and female models strutted in the latest spring and summer collections of retail brands Tommy Hilfiger, Swarovski, Sean John and local emerging lifestyle brand Ateaelle. Loftiss encouraged the audience to touch the curated items and take selfies with the models.

“You won’t get this at New York Fashion Week,” Loftiss said.

Also bridging the gap between beauty and style, Global Runway showcased national brands ExOfficio, Mori Luggage & Gifts, Luxe International and Bijoux Terner via a pop-up shop.

With more than 300 retailers, Hartsfield-Jackson offers a wide array of selections to indulge the senses and provide fashion befitting any destination worldwide.

“People travel for all sorts of reasons,” said ATL’s Pam Simmons, Global Runway coordinator. “They may be going to the beach and need an extra swimsuit or a great sundress. ATL Skypointe offers travelers the opportunity to shop for that trip right before they hop on their flight. The convenience that this offers travelers is unlike what you’ll see at almost any other airport.”

And given that the average layover time for an international flight is two hours, many passengers have the time – and money – to shop, Simmons added.

The ATL Skypointe commercial premiered during the event and featured style ambassadors BluHazl, Satchel Jester, Jenna Wessinger, Vincent Martinez and Loftiss. The commercial will run on CNN Airport Network throughout ATL.

Global Runway also served to launch ATLRewards, the Airport’s customer loyalty program. Customers who enroll in the program will accumulate points when they shop or dine at participating ATL vendors. These points can be redeemed for airline miles, hotel rewards, dining discounts and many other perks at participating merchants throughout metro Atlanta and nationwide.

 

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Hundreds gathered Wednesday, Nov. 2 to enjoy the second annual Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson, a fundraising feast that featured more than 30 restaurants and eateries from throughout the world’s busiest airport.

The event, held in the Domestic Terminal atrium, offered a rare opportunity for the public to sample food from some of the best concessionaires in the Airport — all without booking a flight or going through security.

All proceeds from the event benefited Silence The Growl, the United Way of Greater Atlanta’s program to combat childhood hunger.

Interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. welcomed the crowd and showed appreciation for the continued support of the ATL concessions team.

“The Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson is a premier food festival showcasing the diversity of ATL’s options,” he said. “I want to thank our food and beverage concessionaires, not just for their participation today, but for all they do to make our concessions program one of the best in the aviation industry.”

Ticket books were sold in groups of 10, and each ticket afforded a taste of cuisines from around the Airport. More than half of participating concessionaires are based in Georgia, including Ecco, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill, The Pecan Bistro, Fresh To Order, Fly Burger and Atlanta Chophouse.

With more than 90 items to sample — including angus beef sliders, macaroni and cheese, braised pork on focaccia and Mediterranean rice with chicken — event-goers had many choices to make while grooving to live music by the Darren Winters Ensemble. Bakery Piece of Cake offered large slices of red velvet cake for two tickets, causing crowds to clamor for the popular dessert.

“It is important that passengers and employees understand the quality of food that we serve at this Airport as well as the number of options available,” said Concessions Marketing Manager Demetria Wideman, who planned the event. “Allowing so many brands to come to the atrium introduces them to an audience that (they) may otherwise never reach. The exposure that an event like this gives them is phenomenal. So the Taste gives our restaurants the best of both worlds – the opportunity for exposure while raising money for a great cause.”

This year’s Taste also featured a chef’s competition, where culinary artists served their best meal from their respective regions and took part in a timed challenge. Pamela Place of Atlanta Chophouse served Baltimore, Md.-style crab cakes, Rich Bolton of Delaware North served Manhattan-inspired surf and turf, and One Flew South represented Philadelphia with a gourmet philly sandwich with ribeye, handcrafted cheese “whiz” and pickled toppings.

Jared Hall, executive chef of One Flew South, was named winner of the “chef showdown.” Restaurant Phillips Seafood won the “Best Taste” honor with its lobster bisque and crab cakes.

G. Gavin, celebrity chef and owner of One Flew South, served as a judge for the chef competition and was impressed by the talent displayed.

“The competition, it was fascinating,” he said. “(There) was a lot of really good food. I think that the chefs took pride in everything they did, and you could see it in the food.”

Also declaring his allegiance to ATL cuisine, Steak Shapiro, host of “Atlanta Eats” and the chef showdown, said: “I think it’s just a great testament (to what) the Mayor and the City started building years ago, which is (that) we can have some great food stories happening right out of our Airport. So it’s a perfect forum to showcase how proud we are about what’s happening food-wise at the Atlanta Airport.”

 

 

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Leaders from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), along with team members and community supporters, went pink Thursday, Oct. 27, hosting the Airport’s first Survivor Celebration to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This effort, sponsored by the ATL Concessions program, provided free breast cancer screenings on-site to uninsured employees as well as education to survivors and attendees.

“When we think of breast cancer, we don’t often associate it with the word ‘celebration,’” said ATL Director of Security Jan Lennon. “But thanks to advancements in modern medicine, national campaigns to promote early detection and education, and the meritorious work of groups such as Sisters By Choice, I’m here today to tell you this is a celebration. It’s a celebration of all the women and men from all walks of life who have fought – and continue to fight – breast cancer with courage and dignity.”

Sisters By Choice is an Atlanta-based, nonprofit organization focused on breast cancer education and awareness. Its founder, Dr. Rogsbert Phillips-Reed, is a renowned breast surgeon who has been practicing for more than 30 years and has spent more than two decades advocating for breast health in underserved communities.

“As we look at where we are today in treating this disease, we can say that yes, we have made significant strides and we can say that the successes have translated into more survivors,” Phillips-Reed said. “Over the past two decades, we have emphasized how important early detection is.”

Breast screenings were conducted in the Sisters By Choice mobile breast clinic, a state-of-the-art facility positioned outside of the International Terminal for the day. It holds two examination rooms, a waiting area, vitals area and imaging room. The mobile breast clinic facilitates remote screening and diagnostic services, treatment referrals, education and access to clinical trials. Complimentary appointments also took place Oct. 19 for Airport workers.

The event, which honored breast cancer survivors and awareness supporters, also offered a personal perspective from one of ATL’s own. Chermaine Axam, assistant manager of community affairs, shared her story of survival and hope.

“Many of you know me as your co-worker and friend,” she said. “I am known to others as a daughter, sister, mother, wife and a 14-year breast cancer survivor.”

As facilitator of the Sisters By Choice Emory Midtown support group, Axam has “channeled my energy to help other survivors and their families who are in need of guidance, encouragement, (and) conversation.”

Concessions Marketing Manager Demetria Wideman spearheaded the inaugural Survivor Celebration for the Airport, emphasizing the need for all to engage in self-care to increase health and longevity.

“Getting involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month encourages women to remember the importance of being screened,” she said, “especially in an environment as busy as the Airport, where many times we forget to take time out for ourselves.”

Wideman said this year, ATL partnered with Sisters By Choice because a number of women at the Airport lack insurance or the means to get screened.

“Bringing the mobile breast cancer screening clinic to our doorstep made it convenient and comfortable for women to be seen by a specialist and receive care that they may not seek otherwise,” she said. “Ending the month celebrating women who have survived breast cancer was our way of telling these heroes at the world’s busiest airport that we support their fight and appreciate all that they do to encourage early detection as a means of saving lives.”

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Each year, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with the disease.

Karen Nunnally, an eight-year breast cancer survivor and a member of Sisters By Choice Emory Midtown support group, offered simple advice for women and men.

“Please get checkups and please get your mammograms,” she said. “Since this was the first event at Hartsfield-Jackson, I really appreciate the Airport for taking the time and spending the resources to recognize and increase the awareness of breast cancer and how it affects lives.”

For more information on Sisters By Choice, visit www.sisterbychoice.org.

 

Clockwise from top: As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) partnered with Sisters By Choice to bring its mobile breast clinic to the world’s busiest airport for two days in October. The mobile breast clinic facilitates remote screening, particularly to underinsured members of the community. The Airport held its first Survivor Celebration on Oct. 27 to honor those who fight — and continue to fight — breast cancer. Many wore pink ribbons in a show of support and solidarity. Below right, Sisters By Choice Communications Coordinator Dorothy McMichael is moved by the speakers at the Oct. 27 event. Below left (from left) are Jan Lennon, Dr. Rogsbert Phillips-Reed, Chermaine Axam and Demetria Wideman. For more images, click here. Photos by the Decisive Moment Photojournalism