Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has plans to double the number of restaurants and bring in more local representation with a new concessions program set to begin next year.
Driving the news: Following a unanimous vote by the City Council Monday evening, the wheels are now in motion that will eventually see some local favorites, including Trio and El Mirasol, among the restaurants serving food at the airport.
- Amazon’s Just Walk Out shopping technology will also be added to some retail locations, and a seasonal local ice cream truck will be offered along with the airport’s first Duty-Free shopping experience.
At issue: There had been no competitive process for concessions at the airport for more than two decades when the city elected in 2020 to seek proposals. After Monday’s vote, a pair of 10-year contracts will be signed.
- For food, the city chose the current concessionaire, Paradies, which is promising to add multiple new options and replace all current food options with “new concepts that are a mix of local and national brands.”
- Marshall, which operates retail shops in more than 40 airports across the US, will renovate the airport’s retail spaces. Among the offerings will be merchandise from the Palm Springs Art Museum and Minty’s Breeze Blocks, who we featured in this story a year ago.
What they’re saying: “Our new concessions program will be transformative. Our staff has spent countless hours … to ensure that a local feel and sense of place will be created at PSP. The new concessions program will deliver an immersive Palm Springs and Coachella Valley experience for locals and tourists alike.” – Harry Barrett, executive director of aviation at PSP
Next steps: Work will begin on the new additions to the airport almost immediately. A target date for completion is set for October 2023.
