Ribbon cuttings at Cigar City Brewing and Burger 21 (Credit: Tampa International Airport) Cigar City, from left to right: Joey Redner, Founder, Cigar City Brewing; George Tinsley Sr, President and CEO, Tinsley-Bridgeman; Joe Lopano; CEO, Tampa International Airport; Michael Price, Vice President of Business Development; HMSHost.
Burger 21, from left to right: Mike Pistorino, Vice President of Operations, Burger 21; Mike Remes, Corporate Chef, Burger 21; Perry Kranias, Director of Operations, HMSHost; Jim Sullivan, Vice President, Burger 21; Joe Lopano, CEO, Tampa International Airport; Michael Price, Vice President of Business Development, HMSHost.
HMSHost opens new Cigar City Brewing and Burger 21 in Airside C.
TAMPA – Ready to enjoy a freshly brewed, limited-edition craft beer from Tampa’s renowned Cigar City Brewing before your next flight at Tampa International Airport? Well, the gateway to Florida’s west coast now offers this exclusive experience in Airside C at Cigar City Brewing, operated by global restaurateur HMSHost in partnership with Tinsley-Bridgeman. Cigar City Brewing is the only true ‘brewpub’ in a North American airport with its centerpiece exhibition brewing facility. It was recently remodeled and now features two bars and an expanded menu. A grand opening was held celebrating the opening of Cigar City Brewing and HMSHost’s second Burger 21 restaurant in the airport, also in Airside C.
“Tampa has an amazing craft brewing history and a vibrant food and beverage scene. Along with our partner Tinsley-Bridgeman, we are thrilled to add more local flavors representing the best the region offers like Cigar City and Burger 21 into Tampa International Airport,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Michael Price.
HMSHost and Cigar City Brewing were the first to bring an on-site brewing operation and combined restaurant into a North American airport in 2013, launching the trend of bringing local craft beer concepts into airports. Cigar City Brewing in Airside C reopened in the same location as before, but with a larger footprint and enhanced offerings to meet travelers’ desires. Guests get the vibe of downtown factory conversion al fresco dining with new bar seating behind a large garage-door. There is a larger kitchen that offers an expanded menu with items like the brewhouse burger and a chimichurri steak main course, as well as a more prominent to-go area for travelers to enjoy food and drinks on the move.
“We’re pleased to welcome the latest Burger 21, Stellar Bay News and Terminal Getaway Spa locations, as well a completely redeveloped Cigar City Brewing, which we know will remain popular with our guests for years to come,” said TPA Vice President of Concessions Laurie Noyes. “These brands and concepts truly reflect the spirit of Tampa Bay through flavors, brews, products and relaxation services that we hope will leave an impression on our visitors coming and going.”
The brewing operation brings a new “cool-factor” to the airport too. This Cigar City Brewing location showcases a three-barrel system surrounded by glass windows at the front of the restaurant so travelers can watch the beer making process. HMSHost works with a Cigar City Brewing brewer to oversee airport beer production, with a special batch generated every month that only airport guests have the opportunity to enjoy.
Six signature Cigar City beers are available on draught at any given time including Jai Alai, Maduro Brown Ale, Invasion Pale Ale, Florida Cracker, Tampa Lager, and a rotation between a seasonal nitro tap and the monthly house-made brew. For loyal customers and beer enthusiasts wondering, the Tony Jannus Pale Ale is available on draft. This special Cigar City brew, named for the legendary Tampa aviator Antony “Tony” Jannus, is only available at the airport or the actual brewery in Tampa, making it one to definitely check-off the list of rare brews to try. Cigar City cans are available too, including Tocobaga Red Ale.
HMSHost also opened the Cigar City Taproom in 2017, located in Airside F, to further expand this local award-winning craft brewing experience to more travelers in other parts of the airport. Burger 21 is a Tampa born gourmet burger joint. Burger 21’s loyal following is built on serving hand crafted beef, ahi tuna, and black bean “burgers” alongside famous milkshake with unique flavors ranging from Creme Brulee to Ybor City Double Espresso – tempting treats for flyers on the move looking to indulge. Burger 21’s new location in Airside C is the second location in Tampa International Airport. HMSHost opened the first in Airside A in 2017.
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.
