SPOKANE, Wash. — A new concourse at the Spokane airport will give travelers the chance to access some of their favorite Inland Northwest restaurants.
The new C-Concourse at the Spokane International Airport (GEG) is set to open later this summer and will feature three new gates, brand new ticketing booths and nearly a dozen local restaurants. As Spokane continues to grow, airport officials believe this expansion couldn't have come at a more perfect time.
Just last year, GEG saw nearly 4.2 million people walk through its doors, the most travelers in the airport's history. By 2030, the airport expects to have 6.2 million passengers coming through the airport.
According to GEG CEO Larry Krauter, the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the airport's growth. As more people turn to remote and hybrid work, he said travelers are taking advantage.
“Our travelers are traveling in this sort of combined hybrid way to have a business meeting, but also maybe turn that into some kind of an experience and maybe bring their families with them," Krauter said.
The airport is transforming into a space that can accommodate more passengers without disrupting the travel experience, according to Krauter. He said the most important aspect is catering to the customer experience, and hopes the expansion and renovations entice more airlines and flights to come in.
"We really minimize the impacts to the customers, because at the end of the day, we want Spokane to continue to be easy to use," he said. "It's a combination of strengthening what we have, and getting in front of new carriers as well."
Part of the airport expansion includes welcoming local restaurants to the concourse, such as Zona Blanca. Travelers won't even have to leave the airport to get a taste of the Inland Northwest.
"I did think that this was a possibility someday, and I'm glad that it's happening now," said Chad White, a chef at Zona Blanca. "Getting the opportunity to be at the airport at this time, I don't know if there's a better time. If they're able to see our restaurants, either on their way in or on their way out of Spokane, it definitely gets more guests in front of us."
But how did the airport get here?
Before the pandemic, Pat Murray, the Deputy CEO of SSP America, approached Krauter about bringing local restaurants into the Spokane airport. SSP has worked to bring local restaurants into more than 50 airports, and Murray said he was committed to bringing the best tastes of the Inland Northwest to the airport.
"It's about having fun and showcasing what's great in Spokane as people arrive and depart," Murray said. "It's a tremendous opportunity in a municipal building to showcase what's there for the community."
Because of the expansion and transition of restaurants at the airport, new spots will come into the airport in waves. Travelers may see renovation work being done throughout the airport, but Krauter said travelers will always have food and drink options.
"I want to put my stamp on Spokane and some of the things that we're doing," said Adam Hegsted, chef and owner of the Yard Bruncheon. "Our idea is to work with our team [and] SSP and create some foods that are a lot faster."
The new expansion, future renovations and addition of local restaurants is all about contributing to future generations.
"We have an important mission to continue to expand the airport's economic impact in the region by being that gateway and providing that access, as well as developing our property so that it is producing more for the community," Krauter said.
Renovations are expected to be complete by June. Once the new concourse expansion opens, more work will be done in the current C-Concourse to renovate the space.
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