Memphis International Airport Wins Overall Griesbach Award of Excellence in ACI-NA Concessions Contest

 


Seattle (November 1, 2006) - Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) today recognized Memphis International Airport as the Richard A. Griesbach Award of Excellence winner in the 2006 Airport Concessions Contest. Seven other airports also received recognition in this year's contest.

In commenting about why they chose Memphis as the recipient of this prestigious award, one of the judges said, "We reviewed many great concessions programs and all should be commended but Memphis really stood out in my mind. They took the limitations of an existing terminal and created something wonderful and memorable. The essence of Memphis is truly captured in the overall design but, most importantly, it is completely integrated into this dynamic concession program that offers great new eating and shopping experiences for passengers. What a great first impression for the region. I would find it hard to even leave the airport. Great job!"

In addition to the top honors, fourteen other airports were recognized for their superior concessions programs in categories including: Best Food and Beverage Program in North America, Best Retail/Specialty Program in North America and Most Innovative Concession in North America. The announcement was made during the joint ACI-NA/Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Airport Concessions Conference in Seattle, at which the entire North American airport concessions industry is represented.

The contest, which began in 1998, is named for Richard A. Griesbach, a long-time industry professional in airport concession programs from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Previous winners of the prestigious Griesbach Award of Excellence include:

  • 2005 – Edmonton International Airport
  • 2004 – LaGuardia Airport
  • 2003 – No winner
  • 2002 – Philadelphia International Airport
  • 2001 – Calgary International Airport
  • 2000 – Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
  • 1999 – Chicago O'Hare International Airport
  • 1998 – Portland International Airport

 

The contest received over 50 entries from airports of all sizes throughout the U.S. and Canada. The winners of this year's awards include:

 

2006 ACI-NA Richard A. Griesbach Excellence in Airport Concessions Contest

 

AWARDS

 

Overall Griesbach Award of Excellence

Memphis International Airport – Concourse B

 

Best Food and Beverage Program

  • Medium Airports

1st Place – Memphis International Airport – Concourse B

  •  Large Airports

 1st Place – Detroit Metropolitan Airport – Edward H. McNamara Terminal

 2nd Place – John F. Kennedy International Airport – Terminal 6


Best Retail Speciality Program

  • Medium Airports

 1st Place – Southwest Florida International Airport – New Terminal

2nd Place – Memphis International Airport – Concourse B

  •  Large Airports

1st Place – Detroit Metropolitan Airport – Edward H. McNamara Terminal

Honorable Mention – Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport – Terminal E

 

Most Innovative Concession 

  • Large Airports

 1st Place – Washington Dulles International Airport "Vino Volo"

 2nd Place – La Guardia Airport "Cibo Express Gourmet Market