Category: Press

At Master ConcessionAir, we strive to not only deliver unique concepts to the visitors who pass through our airports, but also to provide exceptional customer service to make their airport experiences memorable for all the right reasons.

Earlier this month, Miami International Airport held its 8th Annual Customer Service Awards luncheon recognizing the businesses and staff members within the airport who exceeded customer service standards. MCA has a strong presence in MIA with more than 20 concepts, and we were incredibly proud to be recognized in five categories.

Two of our concepts were honored for the strides they have made to improve the customer experience this year. World Wide Market was recognized as Most Improved in the Central Terminal, with a 30 percent point increase over last year. Elsewhere in the airport, Miami Gifts to Go, a souvenir and gift concept owned and operated by MCA, was recognized as Most Improved in the South Terminal. It is our aim to continually offer the best customer service to our guests at airports across the country, and these two concepts truly embody that.

One of our employees was also recognized for her individual dedication to customer service. Elda Alvarez is a team member at the Craft Beer Cart. She was one of the October Service Starz at the airport, scoring 100 percent on her mystery shop visits.

Finally, we were truly honored to be recognized among the best of the best at Miami International Airport. Miami News Connection, a news and gift concept, received the highest customer service score over all Miami International Airport newsstands. Lorena Garcia Cocina/Barcardi Mojito Bar also received top marks in the food category.

Customer service is at the heart of what we do at MCA, from Miami International Airport to concepts in airports across the country. We’re extremely proud of all our concepts in Miami for taking flight this year.

Next time you’re traveling through MIA, make sure to check out our award-winning customer service spots. We’re looking forward to serving you.

Atlanta based blogger, Life, Famiy & Fun, recently stopped by Orlando International Airport to try the farm-to-terminal bites at Cask & Larder. Winona tried delicious favorites like Hot Wings with Fermented Chili Sauce, Corn Fritters, Beet Salad, Pork Belly Tacos, Macaroni and Cheese and of course a beer flight before her flight, along with other Southern- style classics.

Winona loved the unique atmosphere that Cask & Larder offers. Sticking to their rustic routes while also offering a calm, modern style.

“One thing that will “wow” you from the moment you walk in the restaurant is the atmosphere. It’s wonderful, calming and modern but still has a farmhouse, rustic chic style to it as well.

It’s almost as though you’ve entered a whole different realm when you’re right in the confines of an airport. I literally felt transported to a whole new world the moment that we arrived.

If you’re looking for a delicious place to dine at the Orlando airport, don’t miss out on the flavors at the Cask & Larder Restaurant!”

Read the entire article here.

Local food blogger Made In Orlando visited Orlando International Airport to try the delicious eats at Cask & Larder. She sampled their Corn Fritters, Magic Sangria, Nashville Chicken with Mac & Cheese, Barbecue Platter and the Charcuterie Board. She was wowed by their farm-to-terminal concept and unique dining experience. She is extremely excited for her next trip out of MCO to return to Cask & Larder. Read her review here and see her coverage here.

Tampa based foodie bloggers Food Life Tampa Bay stopped by Orlando International Airport last week just before flying out on a fun vacation. They sampled Southern classics like Key West pink shrimp & grits and Nashville hot chicken & waffles and were wowed by the quality and service. They are eager to return to MCO Terminal A to try more tasty bites from Cask & Larder before another adventure! See their coverage here.

Our CEO and co-founder, Peter Amaro Jr., recently authored a guest article for Travel Daily News. In it, he detailed some top airport retail and restaurant trends, as well as some of the ways Master ConcessionAir is improving the passenger experience inside the terminal. Click here to read the entire article, or continue reading below.

Three ways to help the passenger experience take flight inside the airport terminal

It’s 5 p.m. and you’ve just cleared airport security, only to find out your 6:30 p.m. flight is delayed for four hours. You wonder: how am I going to fill all that time in the terminal? Companies like Master ConcessionAir (MCA) are one step ahead of you, providing unique, engaging experiences for passengers, wherever they are.

We are constantly monitoring the trends for shopping and dining inside the terminal to bring the latest and greatest. Read on to learn about some of the biggest things we’re seeing in 2019 and beyond.

A local taste

These days, people are focused on the experience – and the airport is an extension of the destination. Airports and their businesses need to respond with concepts that give travelers a local taste. Cask & Larder at Orlando International Airport is a great example of that. Master ConcessionAir worked with the owners to move the popular restaurant from nearby Winter Park to MCO. The farm-to-terminal concept has since been wildly popular with those looking for one last bite of The City Beautiful while they wait for their boarding announcements. Miami Subs is another great example. The local chain is a staple in South Florida and beyond. Because Master ConcessionAir added a location to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, passengers have an opportunity to get a true South Florida experience before takeoff.

A quality bite, sip or buy

With so much competition for attention in the terminal, travelers have power in their choices. They don’t have to settle, and thus, they’re demanding the same quality experiences they’d have outside of the airport. Here, concepts like Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport answer the call, serving up delicious, classic steakhouse cuts and fine wine. At Miami International Airport, the Bacardi Mojito Bar offers guests the same fun vibe they might crave on South Beach, delivering fine rums in classic cocktails like pina coladas and of course, mojitos. And at airports across the country, we are turning to the brands travelers would buy from at home – from Kiehl’s to Coach – and bringing them wherever they are in the world.

Dynamic shopping

Passengers have limited time and airports have limited space. Even so, airports need to maximize their offerings and the opportunity for revenue. Creativity is key, and at MCA, we have turned to eye-catching carts and pop-up stores to minimize space and maximize passengers’ attention. At Miami International Airport, for example, Master ConcessionAir worked with Desigual to design a custom cube where racks and shelves can be constantly reconfigured for a new shopping experience. We also turned to a mobile cart for the world-renowned jewelry brand TOUS. This allowed us to offer guests gorgeous pieces while maintaining a small footprint and allowing us to move the kiosk to best serve customers and the airport floor plan. The same can be applied to dining options – like a food truck, but smaller. Options like these make for endless possibilities to offer travelers, even if the space inside the terminal is not.

By looking to trends from outside the airport walls, it’s easier to capture snapshots of what passengers are seeking from their airport experience. And while concessionaires have no control over a passenger’s flight delay or a lost bag, when they deliver on the experiences a customer is looking for, everyone can walk away happy.

Chef Jelly, a local Orlando food vlogger, stopped by Cask & Larder in the Orlando International Airport last week. Pleasantly surprised by Cask & Larder’s “not your average airport food”, Chef Jelly created a video of all her favorite bites from her visit. She tried Southern favorites like their Magic Sangria, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Corn Fritters, Hot Chicken Wings, Pretzel Bun Sliders and much more. Join her on a culinary adventure in her full video here.