By: W. Scott Bailey | From: San Antonio Business Journal
San Antonio International Airport will take on a new look — and taste — as part of its historic expansion.
That's based on a new update from airport officials presented to city council as part of the $2.5 billion project, which will include a new third terminal, an updated roundup of culinary offerings, a new multilevel parking structure, and a ground transportation center.
It’s all part of an extensive effort to elevate the Alamo City’s airport experience for domestic and international travelers.
“It's all about the continuance of executing on the master plan and what we do to continue to transform,” Jesus Saenz, director of airports for the San Antonio Airport System, told council members during the May 14 update.
The food and beverage plan focuses on post-security areas inside Terminal B and will include a mix of concepts curated by HMS Host/True Flavors. While the goal of the plan is to expand airport revenue opportunities, it’s also about localization.
Two San Antonio-based businesses, 2M BBQ and Bakery Lorraine, are confirmed additions to Terminal B.
The new airport plan also calls for the inclusion of The Tasting Room, a wine bar featuring selections from Becker Vineyards and other Texas Hill Country wineries.
Saenz confirmed that other local favorites, including Whataburger, La Gloria, and Smoke Shack, will remain.
Several other retail and food and beverage concepts from Host and Paradies Lagardere that were approved by the council last year, including Southerleigh, Feliz Modern, and Tre Trattoria, among others, will be added to the SAT lineup in the coming months, according to Saenz.
Meanwhile, airport officials are advancing design and construction plans for a new parking structure and ground transportation center to accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles. The facility will also serve as a centralized location for shuttles, rideshare vehicles, taxis, and future mobility services
The project's selected design-build team includes San Antonio-based architectural firm Marmon Mok, JE Dunn and PGAL.
“This is a pivotal moment for SAT,” Saenz said. “These initiatives are about more than just keeping pace with the growth of the region; they’re about leading the way in delivering a world-class travel experience.”