Local chefs feature true Philly flavors in a wide range of restaurant concepts, American Airlines’ beautifully redesigned Terminal B is now open.
PHILADELPHIA – Just a year and a half after their initial announcement, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), American Airlines, MarketPlace PHL and award-winning hospitality group OTG held the grand opening for PHL's new Terminal B. The grand opening finds the project on schedule for its phased 18-24 month roll-out plan.
The $30 million investment in Terminal B includes everything from new and improved technology offerings, to local chef-driven restaurant concepts, to immersive, free-flowing design and more.
"American is excited about the transformation we have seen Terminal B undergo over the past months," said Olympia Colasante, American's Vice President – PHL Hub Operations. "It is a pleasure to walk through the new Terminal B, between the amazing new restaurants, waiting areas and shops. I wouldn't be surprised to see our passengers arriving at this terminal a little earlier than normal for their flights in the future."
The team implementing the innovative changes at PHL Terminal B was led by OTG in partnership with the airline, airport and MarketPlace PHL.
"When I got into this business, I always looked forward to the day I could come back to reinvent my hometown airport at this scale," said Rick Blatstein, OTG's Founder & CEO. "Today, that dream becomes a reality. I couldn't be prouder of our team, who have done an amazing job here at PHL."
Today's grand opening event at the terminal includes a stage presentation and ribbon cutting with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, followed by concept tastings and chef demos by Nicholas Elmi, Erin O'Shea and Stalin Bedon. A small gathering of media and stakeholders will also take place.
"Today's grand opening is an opportunity for us to show some of the results of our hard work over the past several years," said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron. "Terminal B reflects the spirit and the tastes of our great city, and I know our passengers will enjoy spending time here."
The newly-designed terminal includes a new, wider range of shopping and dining options for travelers. New concepts have already begun to open along with OTG's award-winning CIBO Express Gourmet Markets. The markets feature locally sourced and inspired items from small businesses throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding area.
"With the incredible dining experience and market options OTG is bringing to the table, travelers will need to leave a little extra room in their bags and stomachs before leaving for their destinations" said Clarence LeJeune, Operating Partner, MarketPlace PHL, LLC and President/CEO of LeJeune and Associates, LLC. "We are excited for PHL passengers to experience it – we know they are going to react just like we did – they are going to love it."
Leading-Edge Technology: Now, travelers waiting for a flight can access more than 1,000 iPads positioned throughout restaurants and gate lounges. Driven by OTG's award-winning flo® technology, the iPads allow guests to track their flight, browse the web, play games, and order food and amenities from intuitive visual menus, all delivered directly to their seat. Customers also have access to more than 2,000 power & USB ports with the redesigned terminal seating.
Chef-Driven Dining with Unique Local Flavor: Eight new dining venues will provide travelers with an array of culinary choices, as well as markets, cafes and exceptional food and beverage service in 15 Gate Lounge areas. Menus at all price points will emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients and will highlight regional and local dining experiences. New concepts include French-inspired bakery Boule Cafe, Mediterranean mezze concept Baba Bar, Italian eatery CIBO Bistro & Wine Bar, beer & brat concept Germantown Biergarten, steak & chop house Independence Prime, fresh sushi concept Noobar, Philly comfort food concept LOVE Grille and Neapolitan Pizza concept Mezzogiorno.
Trendsetting Design: OTG worked with renowned architects and designers to transform the physical interior of Terminal B into a world-class setting that combines comfort with beautiful, free flowing spaces. The design features include a collaboration with celebrated British lighting designer Tom Dixon. His unique Melt fixtures in the gate areas represent the largest installation Tom Dixon has ever designed. The airport facility has also been modernized with the introduction of 15 tech-driven Gate Lounges that allow guests to order food, drinks and amenities from the comfort of their gate.
OTG retained Philadelphia-based Daroff Design Inc. + DDI Architects, PC (DDI) to provide architect of record, design and consultant coordination services for their new PHL/B restaurant concepts.
Angelos is the news editor for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). His role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy.
He currently studies Communication, Media & Culture in Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens.
