Food Network is opening its first restaurant in an airport, but they promise good food.
According to the Associated Press, the popular cooking channel has opened its first Food Network Kitchen at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in South Florida in the JetBlue terminal.
"The dynamic of food and travel has changed," said Sergei Kuharsky, general manager of Food Network's new business enterprises. "You used to never go in and think about eating at an airport."
Kuharsky said they are "responding to that opportunity" where passengers arriving early to get through security can now enjoy airport dining.
Averaging 1,500 customers per day since it's opening on Nov. 8, there are no waiters, so customers get to chow down after ordering at the counter or getting takeout, either ready made to order or readymade items like sandwiches and salads.
"It's the highest revenue producer at the airport," said Jean-Pierre Turgot, general manager for Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, which partnered with the Food Network to provide chef-inspired meals at the airport and is also a partner in Food Network-branded food sold at concession stands and stadiums, AP said.
Surprisingly, the AP report said that the Food Network Kitchen is the only eatery serving hot food at the JetBlue concourse. However, customers will go to it because lets face it: everyone knows Food Network.
"I walked by and I said 'Oh wow, look at that. Food Network restaurant.' So I came in," said Richard Wierzbicki of Austin, Texas. "And I would look for it again because I thought the sandwich was really good."
Airport customers can grab an assortment of dishes from the Food Network restaurant such as a Florida shrimp po'boy ($13) and a salmon burger with Key lime mayo ($14). Other dishes include the Cuban breakfast burrito ($8), black beans and rice burger with "mojo mayo" ($12), fried pickles with Key lime mayo ($6), sweet potato fries with Key lime tartar sauce ($5), and a Cuban sandwich ($12) with café con leche mayo pressed on a ciabatta roll.
Passengers waiting for their flight can also enjoy a glass of Food Network's wine brand or locally inspired cocktails like Lansky's Run. Or, they can find energy with an espresso or other non-alcoholic drink.
AP describes the atmosphere:
"The network's logo is plastered on everything from to-go boxes to brown paper bags filled with jelly beans and chocolate-covered pretzels. Most of the TVs are tuned to the Food Network, though some show sports or news. There are also some fun facts on display: A poster near the cash register details local ingredients used in the meals, while paper placemats explain how to filet a fish and describe different cuts of beef."
"We really wanted to bring our culinary expertise to the forefront and bring the brand to life," Food Network's Kuharsky said. "I think people are going to be drawn to the brand, but it also comes down to taste."
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