Asheville Regional Airport Announces Exciting New Dining & Retail Lineup for Terminal Expansion

Asheville -- Travelers flying through Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) can look forward to a significantly enhanced dining and shopping experience as part of the ongoing terminal expansion project, AVL Forward.

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) and airport concessions partner Paradies Lagardère have revealed plans for five new restaurants, two retail stores, and additional vending options set to open in phases within the new terminal.

The announcement highlights the continuation of a long-standing relationship between AVL and Paradies Lagardère, which began in 2011 when AVL became the company's first airport location for food and beverage services. "We have a long-term positive and successful partnership with Paradies Lagardère," said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., AVL President and CEO. "Paradies is committed to western North Carolina and to providing locally sourced food, beverages, and artisan products in the airport... Their design concepts for the new terminal are exciting."

Phase One of the AVL Forward project, centered on the new seven-gate north concourse, is scheduled to open by Summer 2025. This initial phase will introduce travelers to:

The Goods@AVL: A bespoke travel essentials store offering grab-and-go food, regional apparel, gifts, gourmet snacks, local artisan products, and convenient self-checkout stations.
Jimmy John's: Bringing its popular lineup of fresh sandwiches with a focus on speed of service.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Offering a diverse menu of made-to-order smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads.
Additionally, two temporary concessions, Costa Coffee (offering coffee and local baked goods) and Aletitude (serving beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks), will operate in the north concourse until the project's later stages are complete.

Phase Two, expected to be finished by 2027 along with the new south concourse, will further expand the offerings with unique concepts:

Appalachian Exchange: A market-style retail experience featuring sought-after travel items and products from local North Carolina purveyors and artisans.
Smoky Grounds: A locally focused coffee shop concept with rotating selections from area roasters and fresh grab-and-go items.
Beercode Kitchen & Bar: The first location in North Carolina for this concept, it will be a sit-down gastropub highlighting the region's craft beer scene alongside a full menu.
Vino Volo: The renowned airport wine bar concept, offering local and regional wines, craft cocktails, and a menu suitable for all times of day.
Furthermore, 24/7 vending options under the travel@ease brand, including a self-serve Costa Coffee machine, will be available pre-security to serve travelers and airport employees at all hours.

Gregg Paradies, President and CEO of Paradies Lagardère, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are excited to contribute an impressive lineup of retail stores and restaurants that will elevate the traveler experience with a healthy balance of national and local concepts, unique innovation, and our award-winning customer service."

The new concessions aim to provide passengers at AVL with a diverse range of options that reflect both popular national brands and the unique flavors and crafts of Western North Carolina, significantly upgrading amenities as the airport continues its major expansion.

WNCTimes

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