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Category: ATL Stories

  • ‘Ludacris’ opens first Airport restaurant Chicken + Beer

    ‘Ludacris’ opens first Airport restaurant Chicken + Beer

    Clockwise from top: The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for new restaurant Chicken + Beer on Concourse D, a partnership between entertainer ‘Ludacris’ Bridges and Jackmont Hospitality. From left to right: Valerie Jackson of Jackmont Hospitality, Interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr., Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges and Brooke Jackson Edmond of Jackmont Hospitality. Chicken + Beer entrance sign, located near Gate D5. The event attracted many passengers and fans, and Bridges took time to pose with them. An array of menu items were sampled during the event, including Battered Catfish with Corn Edamame Succotash. Bridges also posed with his likeness, a life-size cutout that features the iFly ATL mobile app.  Photos by Chucky Kahng

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor / Assistant Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) leaders joined Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and executives from Jackmont Hospitality Inc. to celebrate the opening of Chicken + Beer on Dec. 12 at ATL.

    The restaurant, named for Ludacris’ third studio album, is Jackmont Hospitality’s second independently developed concept at the Airport following One Flew South, which opened nearly a decade ago.

    Located near gate D5, the 90-seat restaurant serves Southern-style comfort food and locally sourced craft beers in an upbeat, modern atmosphere complemented by bold artwork, a marble bar and comfortable seating. It offers unique takes on Southern classics such as shrimp and grits and battered catfish as well as beers from established and up-and-coming breweries.

    “As of today, Chicken and Beer isn’t just a three-time platinum album; it’s also a brand for food,” Mayor Kasim Reed told onlookers before the ribbon-cutting. “Things just get better and better and better, and Chicken and Beer is the next phase of excellence for Hartsfield-Jackson.”

    Interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. also expressed appreciation for the new eatery, which aligns with the Airport’s priorities for award-winning concessions and guest relations.

    “We’re thrilled this partnership has found a home at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport,” he said. “One of the Airport’s strategic priorities focuses on enhancing the guest experience. We accomplish this by delivering outstanding food and beverage options. Another strategic priority is marketing our region as an exciting tourist destination by providing our connecting guests – those travelers just passing through ATL – with the sights, sounds and, in the case of Chicken and Beer, Southern-style comfort food and a cold brew all reminiscent of our region.”

    The concept has been nearly six years in the making with Bridges’s team and Jackmont Hospitality, which owns and operates restaurants on behalf of Atlanta Restaurant Partners.

    “One thing we wanted to do was … to continue what we were able to accomplish [at One Flew South],” said Jackmont CEO and co-founder Daniel Halpern, referring to the desire to drive a premium guest experience. “We wanted to continue that chef-driven mindset.”

    Bridges shared his “proud moment” with his fans on Twitter and Instagram with the #chickenandbeer hashtag.

    “I appreciate all the fans so much for supporting me in every endeavor and everything that I do because I’ve been diversifying businesses for a long time,” he said. “It was because of you that this started as an album, a triple-platinum album, and now has become a restaurant inside the busiest Airport in the world. So follow your dreams, continue to do what’s in your heart and work hard at it, and I guarantee you can accomplish anything.”

    Bridges has tested everything on the menu but predicted that his namesake entrée, Luda’s Chicken & Pecan Waffles with whiskey maple, may become the most popular item. Chicken + Beer opened to the public Nov. 17 and operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

     

     

  • ‘ATL Presents: Toyland’ brings smiles, joy to Airport area students

    ‘ATL Presents: Toyland’ brings smiles, joy to Airport area students

    Clockwise from top: Nearly 500 Airport area first-graders packed the Delta Flight Museum for “ATL Presents: Toyland.” The event featured a cast of characters, including a certain red-clad, bearded gentleman who rode in on a Segway. Children were all smiles as they listened to Christmas carols, enjoyed a puppeteer performance and shook off “the sillies” with Sprinkles the Elf. The Dec. 7 event marked the 20th anniversary of the celebration, formerly known as Holidays at Hartsfield-Jackson. Photos by Decisive Moment Photojournalism

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport served a Santa-sized helping of holiday cheer last week to nearly 500 Airport area first-graders at “ATL Presents: Toyland.”

    The students, along with their teachers, enjoyed the four-hour program that featured a magic show, puppeteer performance, parade of children’s characters and even a surprise visit from a certain red-clad, bearded gentleman offering gifts.

    The Dec. 7 event marked the 20th anniversary of the celebration, formerly known as Holidays at Hartsfield-Jackson.

    “The purpose of ‘ATL presents: Toyland’ is to provide a tremendous holiday experience for kids to remember for a lifetime,” said organizer Joy Brown,Hartsfield-Jackson’s special events manager. “The look on the children’s faces was priceless. I loved the fact that they are still innocent and young enough to believe in the spirit of the holiday season.”

    That spirit was sky-high this year, as the event, having grown in popularity, took place at the Delta Flight Museum.

    Interim Chief Financial Officer Greg Richardson offered a warm welcome to students from College Park Elementary, James Jackson Elementary and Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary schools.

    “I can’t think of anything more special and exciting than wrapping up the year by spending time with some of the youngest members of the Airport community,” he told the exuberant crowd.

    Richardson also encouraged teachers and students to visit the Airport for an ATL Tour, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.

    Sprinkles the Elf emceed the event, leading students in dance, song and a shake-off “of the sillies.” New this year was the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, a performing arts group that sang a few holiday carols.

    The day’s event also featured a story of the Little Red Truck by Elliott Paige, ATL’s manager for Air Service Development, and a fire safety presentation by a representative from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.

    Puppeteer Peter Hart mesmerized youngsters as his clown dancers and jingle bell monkeys got into the holiday groove. And magician D’Avante Parks enchanted students with a few tricks and disappearing acts while delivering a powerful message: Believe in yourself.

    That message resonated with students at Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary.

    “We have continuous conversations with our students about doing their best every day in school,” Principal Shateena Brown said. “Our theme is ‘Race to GREATNESS,’ and the only way you can be great is if you believe in yourself.”

    Principal Brown said although her students enjoyed the presentations, performances and Disney characters, she said one person in particular stole the show.

    “Their favorite moment was seeing Santa and the gifts,” she said. “The highlight for me as a principal was to see the smiles and hear the laughter of my students.”

    What’s in store for next year’s “ATL Presents: Toyland”?

    Brown, the organizer, said she may tinker with the lineup and add a few surprises.

    “Of course, I never like to tell all my secrets,” she said. “I like to keep the wow factor going.”

     

  • ATL tree lighting ceremony kicks off ‘Global Winter Wonderland’

    ATL tree lighting ceremony kicks off ‘Global Winter Wonderland’

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    Leaders at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) ushered in the holiday season Nov. 29 with a tree lighting ceremony and customer appreciation kick-off at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.

    ATL officials were joined by diplomatic guests, holiday carolers, employees, volunteers, pets and life-size children’s characters to mark the start of “Global Winter Wonderland,” a series of customer appreciation events during one of the busiest travel seasons. 

    “The entire Airport team is excited and geared up to provide our guests with a memorable and enchanting holiday experience … one filled with the special sights and spectacular sounds of the season,” Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith told attendees in the Domestic Terminal atrium. “This year, we are expecting to top 105 million passengers. But no matter how many passengers we welcome at Hartsfield-Jackson, rest assured we will continue to work hard to provide each guest a friendly, efficient and memorable travel experience.”

    While the holidays are observed every year at Hartsfield-Jackson, this year’s activities have an international focus. Georgia Consular Corps representatives from more than a dozen countries joined Hartsfield-Jackson leaders to count down the lighting of the 18-foot tree topped with a 3-foot, 3-D LED star. In addition, these diplomats provided 12 trees uniquely designed for and by their country in the International Terminal and on Concourse E. Featured countries are Argentina, The Bahamas, Canada, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Lithuania, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Turkey and United Kingdom.

    To highlight this installation, ATL Director of International Business Alrene Barr invited each international delegate present to hang a holiday ornament on the Domestic Terminal tree.

    “In addition to the individually decorated trees, we invited members of our Consular Corps to collaborate with us in globalizing our Domestic [Terminal] tree by incorporating a token of their culture,” Barr said. Ornaments include those from Albania, Israel, Czech Republic and Guyana.

    The event began with a traditional candlelit Lucia procession by Swedish choir Northern Lights, who sang holiday and cultural winter songs. A Salvation Army five-piece brass ensemble featuring some of the Southeast’s best musicians performed Christmas classics.

    During the event, festively attired greyhounds and a German Shepherd mix courtesy of CAREing Paws solicited rubs from attendees and passers-by while several life-size children’s characters, including Mickey Mouse, Paw Patrol’s Marshall and Cinderella, milled about and greeted guests.

    The monthlong holiday celebration will delight and entertain passengers with festive decorations and live music throughout the Airport. In addition, Department of Aviation staff and Airport partners will distribute small travel treats, and guests can enjoy post-security gift-wrapping at all concourse centerpoints.

    For more information on “Global Winter Wonderland” and the schedule of events, visit www.atl.com/global-winter-wonderland.

    ATL tree lighting ceremony kicks off 'Global Winter Wonderland'
    Clockwise from top: Global Consular Corps delegates pose with ATL Director of International Business Alrene Barr in front of Domestic Terminal tree. ATL’s newly lit Domestic Terminal tree. Bottom right: Traditional Swedish choir Northern Lights. Bottom left: A toddler enjoys the festivities. Left center: Greyhounds are dressed for the occasion. Upper left: A holiday ornament donated by Haitian delegate.
  • Local teachers receive aviation education at ATL via the Flying Classroom

    Local teachers receive aviation education at ATL via the Flying Classroom

    Local teachers receive aviation education at ATL via the Flying Classroom
    The Flying Classroom partnered with ATL and local instructors for aviation education Nov. 17. Photos by DeKalb County School District

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    More than 30 DeKalb County teachers recently took off on a journey at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to engage in an innovative aviation education program for classroom instruction.

    The full-day, hands-on expedition was designed to enrich lessons of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program through interaction with aviation experts, tours and group interaction.

    On Nov. 17, teachers and instructional leaders from K-12 met with Capt. Barrington Irving, Flying Classroom founder, and senior ATL officials for the inaugural program. Hartsfield-Jackson participants included interim Chief Financial Officer Greg Richardson, Assistant General Manager Cortez Carter, Senior Asset Manager Aaron Davis, Atlanta Fire Capt. Jerome Martin and FAA government information specialist Linda Chatman. They presented information in each of their respective areas. Innovations manager Doug Strachan served as the expedition’s tour guide.

    Irving believes the Flying Classroom provides access to aviation education to help children set and reach goals.

    “For [students], the Flying Classroom has always aimed to inspire and introduce them to places, careers and concepts that they may not frequently encounter,” Irving said. “I want students to develop skills for creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking that will lead to their success in any career field. We introduce them to careers, places and problems both locally and globally with the mission of inspiring them to dream big, even if their dream is different and abstract, because the world needs all dreamers, innovators and problem solvers.”

    Organized by the Office of Community Affairs, the expedition included a tour of an airfield tower, airfield space and emergency response areas. With a strong emphasis on the Flying Classroom’s digital, global flight curriculum, the knowledge gained from the day culminated in lesson development and teacher presentations, which participants will share across grade levels. Teachers are expected to implement the STEM aviation lessons by February 2017.

    Community Affairs Manager Tracy Gilbert views community outreach and education at Hartsfield-Jackson as integral to future success, especially when young minds are affected.

    “The Flying Classroom Teacher Expedition was another community outreach effort that was a part of the Partners in Education program,” she said. “Our goal was for teachers to understand the importance of developing STEM curriculum in the classroom, and how down the road, [it] will inspire students to seek careers in aviation.”

    DeKalb County School District contributed to this report.

  • ‘Guardian angel’ at Hartsfield-Jackson: Colleague gives big, pays it forward

    ‘Guardian angel’ at Hartsfield-Jackson: Colleague gives big, pays it forward

    Guardian Angel at Hartsfield-Jackson
    Maulana “MT” Tenney and Timothy Cinnamon are all smiles before kidney surgeries.

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    Take a moment to think about when you had a medical crisis or scare, whom did you turn to? A friend? Family member?

    For Department of Aviation team member Maulana “MT” Tenney, kindness came in the form of Timothy Cinnamon, a colleague who stepped up not only to help, but also to give beyond measure.  “I wasn’t feeling good and thought it was a cold,” explained Tenney, a 20-year City of Atlanta employee with 10 years in the maintenance department. “When I went to the doctor, he told me, ‘You need to see a kidney specialist.’”

    That’s when he discovered in December 2014 that his kidneys were functioning at 13 percent and required immediate dialysis.  When fear initially set in, the married father of three admitted he didn’t want the lifesaving treatment but his wife encouraged him.

    “I was afraid, nervous [and] intimidated,” he said. “Just to hear the words, ‘You have to go to dialysis,’ it doesn’t sound good. I’m a praying man. I thought I would get better. I wanted my kidneys to start functioning again. “

    Tenney took a monthlong leave of absence from the Department of Aviation to address his health issues. After initial hospitalization, he required kidney dialysis three times per week, each session lasting 3 ½ hours. Without a transplant, he would need to continue dialysis for the rest of his life.  His co-workers understood the severity of the situation, and some lifted his spirits with phone calls and text messages.  Cinnamon, who worked alongside Tenney for seven years on the fence maintenance crew, considered Tenney a friend. During that period, Cinnamon was young, new to the Department of Aviation and adapting to working with older, more experienced crew members.

    “I was still in that learning process. MT taught me a lot. He was full-throttle,” Cinnamon said. “Being co-workers, we learned a lot about each other. [When] I went through some tough times, [he] and I got really close. One day, I called him up [upset]. He prayed with me for an hour. That stuck in my mind. He didn’t have to do that.”

    The pair remained cordial after being reassigned to different areas in 2013, though daily interaction was limited.  Tenney continued his dialysis treatments through 2015. Since maintenance is a 24-hour unit, he was able to adjust his work schedule to accommodate kidney treatments.  He passed the time by reading, listening to music and talking to other patients while in the treatment center. Guided by his faith, he remained optimistic.

    “I thank God for my faith,” he said. “This is a temporary situation I was going through, and I didn’t know how long [it would last]. I encouraged myself and I didn’t stop working. That’s what gave me the strength.”

    Then one day in February, the unexpected happened. Cinnamon approached Tenney and offered his kidney.

    “I thought he was joking,” Tenney recalled. “I didn’t think he was serious.”

    But Cinnamon persisted, requesting his blood type and information on the donor process. After a month, Tenney realized the sincerity of the offer.

    “I was still going to dialysis … working and doing what I had to do,” Tenney said. “Tim and I talked; he never wavered. He stepped in — my guardian angel.”

    Cinnamon said some people questioned his decision, citing risks and complications.

    “I had a one-track mind,” he said. “I am a man of my word. If you tell someone you’re going to do something, you do it.”

    Although Cinnamon and Tenney realized they had different blood types, they discovered the Living Donor Program, facilitated through Emory Healthcare, which allows a healthy donor to donate their kidney. This in turn enables the desired recipient to receive a living organ compatible to his body. The donor’s kidney is then transported to a matching recipient.

    After a battery of tests, both Tenney and Cinnamon were cleared for the program. They expected to wait six months to a year before the operations, but after four months, Tenney received a call from Emory Transplant Center to schedule his surgery, which took place this year on Sept. 29, the same day as Cinnamon’s.

    Tenney’s kidney arrived from Los Angeles, while Cinnamon’s kidney went to Maryland. Both surgeries were conducted by the same medical team. Relieved to have his first major surgery behind him, Cinnamon remembered the feeling of triumph.

    “Once out [of surgery], I shouted to MT, ‘We did it!’ It was a sigh of relief,” he said. “That was the greatest moment.”

    Tenney explains the significance of his life-changing experience.

    “Tim stepped in and gave me another chance at life,” he said. “I appreciate it and love him for that. By him giving and my receiving, now I can help some[one] else along with helping myself.”

    Cinnamon borrowed six months of vacation time for his recovery and plans to return to the Department of Aviation right after Thanksgiving.

    “I can’t complain,” he said. “I’m blessed.”

    He wants Tenney to know that he shouldn’t feel indebted to him.

    “It was a win-win situation,” he said. “I feel just as good to be able to do it as [MT] does to be able to receive. God allowed me to be there for him. I learned what teamwork was.”

     

  • Temporary Starbucks opens near ATL’s Domestic Terminal atrium

    Temporary Starbucks opens near ATL’s Domestic Terminal atrium

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    Coffee and tea lovers, unite! A temporary Starbucks opened Friday, Nov. 18 in the pre-security area of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to replace the location that closed due to renovations in the security screening area.

    The renovations are part of ATLNext, the Airport’s $6 billion capital improvement program. Projects include renovation and expansion of the main checkpoint, which began in September and closed the Starbucks next to the main security checkpoint.

    “Serving our customers is always the ultimate goal,” said Chilly Ewing, Hartsfield-Jackson concessions director. “Many customers were disappointed that we had to close the existing Starbucks, but it was necessary to increase the size of our security checkpoints. We are very happy to once again bring this outstanding brand back to the atrium.”

    The famed specialty coffee shop will be next to La Madeleine Country French Cafe, near the North Domestic Terminal entrance and atrium. HMSHost, operator of Starbucks and La Madeleine, should expect a busy holiday season and is looking forward to providing beverages, treats and meals for ATL travelers.

    “HMSHost is very excited to be opening this new Starbucks in the atrium at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to serve great coffee to pre-security guests just in time for the Thanksgiving travel season,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Kent Vanden Oever. “We thank the City for their partnership on this effort. It could not have been pulled off without the close collaboration of all parties, including the Airport’s operations, concessions, and planning and development groups working closely with HMSHost.”

    Starbucks will open daily from 5 a.m.-10 p.m.

     

  • Hartsfield-Jackson’s Tour program featured in Women in Aviation newsletter

    Hartsfield-Jackson’s Tour program featured in Women in Aviation newsletter

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Word is getting around the state about the wonders of ATL’s Tour program.

    The program was featured in the November/December edition of the Women in Aviation International (WAI) newsletter. Atlanta’s Gone With the Wind chapter of WAI recently toured the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, getting an in-depth look at all the moving parts at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    “The Tour program is really taking off,” said ATL Community Affairs Coordinator Sylvia O’Neal who, along with Kiara Washington, organizes the tours. “Women in Aviation is just one of many specialty groups that chose Hartsfield-Jackson as a place to tour.”

    Already this year, the program has completed 72 tours, with four more scheduled by year’s end.

    “By getting a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in and around the airfield, you gain a greater appreciation for airports, aircraft, pilots, flight attendants and everyone else responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests,” O’Neal said. “And, of course, the Tour program wouldn’t be successful without the expertise and support of all DOA staffers.”

    WAI is a nonprofit organization that encourages and advances women in all aviation career fields. Its membership includes astronauts, corporate pilots, maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers and many others.

     

    Hartsfield-Jackson’s Tour program featured in Women in Aviation newsletter
    The Women in Aviation newsletter

     

  • Mayor announces plans for 4-star hotel at ATL

    Mayor announces plans for 4-star hotel at ATL

    Mayor announces plans for 4-star hotel at ATL
    Mayor Kasim Reed delivers remarks during the hotel announcement Tuesday at ATL’s Ground Transportation Center. Photo by Decisive Moment Photojournalism

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Calling it “an iconic hotel befitting an iconic airport,” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed on Tuesday joined officials from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Majestic Realty Co. and Carter to announce plans for a four-star hotel and conference center to be built just steps from ATL’s Domestic Terminal.

    The 11-story, 440-room hotel — along with 80,000 feet of conference/meeting space and an additional 60,000 square feet of Class A office space — is a critical component of ATLNext, the Airport’s $6 billion capital improvement program.

    “With ATLNext, we’re not just building canopies and runways and concourses; we’re holistically changing the traveler experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” Mayor Reed told nearly 100 developers, dignitaries and guests gathered at the Ground Transportation Center. “The world’s busiest and most efficient airport will become a destination unto itself.”

    The hotel, expected to be an InterContinental Hotel, will add a new dimension to ATL, spurring economic opportunity and greater connectivity at the Airport. And the development will play a key role in Aerotropolis Atlanta, an area on the Southside of metro Atlanta surrounding ATL that is envisioned to become a world-class central business district. This district, or aerotropolis, would stitch together global commerce and livable communities.

    Hotel construction is scheduled to start by early 2018, with a projected opening in 2020. Visitors to the new hotel will have access to 750 parking spaces, MARTA and the SkyTrain, which travels from ATL to the Rental Car Center and Georgia International Convention Center. A restaurant is planned in the main lobby, and a skybar that overlooks a runway will be constructed on the hotel’s 10th floor.

    “The complex will add value to companies that want to make Hartsfield-Jackson their home,” Mayor Reed said. “It will also allow business people on tight schedules to conduct their meetings and still make their flights. If all goes as planned, this will be an iconic hotel befitting an iconic airport.”

    The hotel will be built directly west of the Domestic Terminal on what is now the 10-acre West Economy Lot and will connect to the terminal via a new plaza. In addition to the hotel and conference center, plans call for two additional hotels as part of a Phase II development on 13 acres just west of the Phase I, or InterContinental Hotel, site. Total cost of development of both phases is estimated at more than $350 million.

    As part of Tuesday’s announcement, Mayor Reed was joined by interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr.; Scott Taylor, president of Carter; Ed Roski, president and board chairman of Majestic Realty Co.; and Stan Conway, executive vice president of Majestic Realty Co.

    In December 2015, the City of Atlanta announced a joint venture between Majestic Realty Co. and Carter after a year-long procurement process. The 50-year ground lease of 26.5 acres near the Domestic Terminal was approved unanimously by the Atlanta City Council in September.

     

  • Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson shows culinary appeal of world’s busiest airport

    Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson shows culinary appeal of world’s busiest airport

    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.”

    Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson shows culinary appeal of world’s busiest airport
    The second annual Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson drew hundreds of guests — and more than 30 concessionaires to the Domestic Terminal atrium on Wednesday, Nov. 2. For more images, click here. Photo by the Decisive Moment Photojournalism

     

  • ATL marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with free screenings, ‘Survivor Celebration’

    ATL marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with free screenings, ‘Survivor Celebration’

     

    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.

     

    ATL marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with free screenings, ‘Survivor Celebration’

    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