North American Travel Restaurateur Brings Local Flavor and Culinary Creativity to Growing Concourses Around the Country
Paradies Lagardère, a leading North American airport concessionaire, debuted 10 new food and beverage offerings during the third quarter of 2024. Beginning with the July 2 opening of Uccello’s Ristorante, a local favorite for Italian classics and award-winning signature pizza at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), Paradies Lagardère has been at the forefront of airport expansion efforts throughout the past three months in Grand Rapids (Michigan), Denver, and Palm Springs.
“Airports have become exciting destinations themselves, and nowhere is this more evident than in the hospitality choices travelers now have in the concourses,” says Claude Guillaume, senior vice president of restaurant operations for Paradies Lagardère. “Our airport partners continually look for ways to put local flavor front and center. We are proud of our numerous openings and our teams’ work to shine a spotlight on these impressive dining landscapes.”
Paradies Lagardère plays a significant role in the food and beverage transformation at Denver International Airport (DEN), which was named by Food & Wine editors last year as one of the top airports with the best provisions. The concessionaire opened airport outposts of three popular Denver-area venues in July, establishing a 3,774-square-foot food hall in the Concourse B West expansion area. The additions near Gate B12 include:
- Aviano Coffee (opened July 27) – Grab-and-go options elevated by this local coffeehouse’s frothy cappuccinos, rich lattes and specialty beverages like nitro cold brew, tea mocktails and signature matcha infusions. Many recipes feature Askinosie Chocolate—ethically sourced, small-batch craft chocolate made by hand in the USA.
- El Chingon (opened July 28) – The vibrant flavors of Mexico City come to life in this contemporary Mexican restaurant which serves traditional family recipes modernized with a gourmet touch.
- Mizu Sushi Izakaya (opened July 29) – an elegant Japanese tapas-style bar and restaurant with an extensive food menu. Features sushi sourced from the Japanese fish market, plus a selection of cocktails and sake.
Paradies Lagardère highlighted Denver’s unique food scene in September, with additional local favorites opening in the East C Concourse. The 8,572-square-foot marketplace now includes a second location of Aviano Coffee as well as:
- Mister Oso (opened Sept. 26; pictured below) – Recognized two years in a row by Thrillist as one of Denver’s best places to find Mexican, this local star was founded in the city’s RiNo Arts District and serves a playful, flavorful Latin American menu. DEN focuses on quick-serve smoked meat tacos, ceviche, and light cocktails complemented by a robust to-go program.
- Bar Dough (opened Sept. 27) – With a modern take on regional Italian cuisine, Bar Dough has made a name for itself in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood using Colorado’s rich agricultural bounty. In Concourse C, travelers enjoy gourmet pizza, traditional Italian classics, and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
Similarly inspired by Palm Springs’ sense of culinary adventure, Paradies Lagardère has partnered with Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to help launch a new concessions program designed to reflect the community’s essence.
“Paradies Lagardère is thrilled to be part of this airport expansion project, celebrating the iconic past and innovative future of PSP and giving travelers a taste of the town from right inside the terminal,” adds Guillaume.
Now open at PSP:
- Cactus to Clouds (opened Aug. 21) – A full bar in the Sonny Bono Concourse serving craft cocktails plus light bites. Bold Palm Springs-inspired flavors are evident in the all-day breakfasts, sandwich wraps, hot paninis, and vegetarian choices. The name refers to a popular hiking trail on nearby Mount San Jacinto.
- Coachella Valley Coffee (opened Sept. 24) – Signature small-batch artisanal roasts served in a cozy cafe. Founder Cliff Young works with farms worldwide to ensure ethical sourcing and top-notch quality.
- Las Casuelas Terraza (opened Sept. 24) – Inspired by traditional recipes from Mazatlán, Mexico, and founded by a local family over 65 years ago, Las Casuelas offers authentic Mexican in the PSP courtyard. Outdoor seating, a bar, cooling misters and a serene water feature complete the experience.
About Paradies Lagardère
Paradies Lagardère is a travel retailer and restaurateur that handles $1.6 billion in annual sales from more than 700 stores, restaurants, and bars in more than 90 airports across North America. Specializing in three airport concessions areas – Travel Essentials, Specialty Retail, and Dining with expertise in international, national, and local brands – Paradies Lagardère’s commitment to exceptional customer service, superior design, and award-winning retail and restaurant operations has earned the company numerous accolades, including Best Airport Retailer for 27 consecutive years and Best Brand Restaurateur by Airport Experience News. For more information, visit paradieslagardere.com.
