The Kansas City Aviation Department this week released a list of vendors to open shop inside the new one-terminal Kansas City International Airport.
The new KCI is set to open in about six months, with construction largely complete. Details are starting to emerge about the interior, including the vendor list.
The bulk of the release is the gamut of food options, beginning with Dunkin’ both inside and outside of the security checkpoint. Concourse A will feature a ‘Made in KC” food hall featuring Bloom Baking Company, Jay “Hootie” McShann’s Blues Bar, Pigwich and Poio. Concourse B features the “City Market” food hall with Bo Lings, Boulevard Brewing Company, Buffalo State Pizza Company, Pigwich and Taste of Brazil.
Other food options across both concourses include Martin City Brewing, Parisi Cafe, City Market Coffee Roasters, Guy’s Pub and Deli, Stockyard Brewing, Made for KC Barbeque Experience and more.
Shopping options include a Lego store, various automated and fast retail options, the Made in Kansas City Marketplace, City Market, Brookside Local, The Market at 18th and Vine, Turn the Page KC and more.
In total, 30 restaurants and 15 retailers were announced, with the bulk made up of local Kansas City vendors.
See page three, or the Citizen’s website at plattecountycitizen.com for a closer look at the list.
Last week, the Los Angeles Chargers were the first to experience the new KCI when they arrived Sept. 15 to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead for Thursday Night Football, kicking off the NFL season. As the terminal isn’t quite ready, the team disembarked on the new concrete poured earlier this year.
A month earlier, on Aug. 15, the contractors conducted the first gate fit check with a little help from a Disney Pixar Toy Story-themed Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 airliner. The Gate Fit Check simulates all the activities that take place at an operational gate from the time an aircraft arrives to the time the aircraft is pushed for departure. The check can ensure aircraft parking apron design and layout meet all the safety and accessibility requirements of the carrier, and allows them to position an aircraft at a gate to “test drive” boarding bridge connection, fueling, catering, baggage handling, etc.
Earlier this month, work continued on the new parking garage and departure lounge seating was installed, including cup holders and power for most electronic devices.
Technology will also play an important role in the cleanliness and efficiency of restrooms in the new terminal, with public bathrooms installed late last month. They will feature touchless technology, occupancy indicators, smart sensors to notify staff when service is necessary, and larger stalls with room for carry-on luggage.
