As LaVozColorado continues to focus on concessions at Denver International Airport, we are dedicating this week to examining the airport’s significant growth in 2023 and the projections made by airport officials for 2024.
About a month ago, Denver International Airport announced that 2023 gross sales from its Concessions Program are estimated at $590 million. That number marks a 15 percent increase over 2022 Concessions Program gross sales, according to the airport spokesperson.
This year, Denver International Airport’s Concessions Program is estimated to add 54,000 sq. ft. of new concession space as the airport anticipates new concessionaires. Among those who are expected to open this year include local establishments like ChoLon, Marzyk Fine Food, Tacos, Tequila, Whisky, Uncle, the Bindery, Salt and Grinder, and other restaurants. In 2023, the airport added 4,000 sq ft of new concession space with establishments like Half Moon, Empanada and Dazbog Coffee opening.
“Over the years, (Denver International Airport’s) Concessions Program has evolved into an award-winning portfolio by celebrating local flavor, supporting diverse and small businesses, and placing a strong emphasis on the overall customer experience. The Concessions Program is a testament to our commitment to and investment in Vision 100 Guiding Principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) and Enhancing Customer Experience,” said Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington in a release.
Vision 100 is a phase of Denver International Airport’s strategic plan and is focused on preparing the airport to serve 100 million annual passengers as soon as 2027.
The airport credits the success of its Concessions Program to other programing that benefits concessionaires like its Business Development Training Academy, which gives small businesses a systematic approach to entering the airport as a subcontractor in the areas of construction, professional services, goods and services, and concessions.
Other programs the airport offers includes the creation of the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation, which will support Denver to become the location where businesses come to find aviation talent.
The center will focus on the Business Development Training Academy, the Career Pathways program, which offers graduated points of entry with the goal of creating an aviation talent pipeline, and a lab designed for learning and trying new things for participants of all ages.
Funds generated from the Concessions Program goes back to Denver International Airport to help with airport operations. This past year, the airport hired a third-party consultant with over 25 years of airport commercial planning experience to support its Concession Master Planning work.
Penny May, Denver International Airport’s chief commercial officer, said in the release that the airport’s Concessions Program is in the middle of a remarkable redevelopment transformation, showing the excellence of local restaurants while championing small businesses.
“Rooted in the principles of our Vision 100 strategic plan, the Concessions Program is successfully supporting and promoting economic equity and fostering generational wealth, while delivering an exceptional and culturally rich experience for travelers,” said May.
