The Southern Steak & Oyster is now open in the South Terminal between Gates D3-D4
NASHVILLE – The Southern Steak & Oyster, Nashville’s beloved downtown steakhouse, has a new sibling – its new full-service restaurant and bar is now open in Concourse D at Nashville International Airport® (BNA®). A favorite among locals and tourists alike, The Southern’s second location brings a new level of dining to the airport, reflecting the trademark hospitality of its owner, legendary restaurateur Tom Morales, and its flagship location.
The Morales family business has contributed to Music City’s transformation over the years, restoring historic local brands and creating new authentic concepts like The Southern, which marks its 10th year with this new location.
“We’re thrilled to welcome The Southern Steak & Oyster to BNA,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Nashville International Airport. “The Southern has become a staple restaurant in the Nashville food scene, and we’re extremely proud to have them at the airport as part of our new reimagined concessions program where we continue to bring the flavor of downtown Nashville right here in the airport.”
Operated in partnership with Skyport Hospitality, the 3,589-square-foot restaurant and full bar in the South Terminal features a New Orleans-inspired design with an open kitchen and abundant natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. It offers the same elevated service and exceptional food as The Southern’s flagship location, with seating for 126 guests.
“We are thrilled to extend The Southern Steak & Oyster’s hospitality to BNA and bring local Nashville flavors to travelers,” said Lauren Morales, COO, TomKats Hospitality. “The team Skyport has assembled is enthusiastic, and we are proud to work alongside them!”
The restaurant’s “South of Somewhere” motto allows for boundless culinary expression. Executive Chef Matt Farley explores cuisines from the Gulf Coast to the Caribbean. Popular menu items include Breaux Bros Gumbo with andouille and crawfish, Fish ‘N Grits with spicy tasso ham vinaigrette, Orleans Parish style BBQ Shrimp, Dry Aged Strip Steak and The Belle Filet. The restaurant serves breakfast until 10:30 a.m. and lunch and dinner daily.
“The Southern continues to draw a loyal following to its bustling downtown location, and we are delighted to open a new location at BNA. Our thanks to the Morales family and partners at Skyport for bringing this authentic Nashville dining experience to the airport,” says Matt Jennings, vice president of Fraport Tennessee, developer, and manager of the airport’s concessions program. “With The Southern and recent additions, guests have an exciting array of places to enjoy a taste of Nashville.”
About Fraport USA®
Fraport USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage programs at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) Terminal B. A leading airport concessions model in North America, Fraport USA’s projects rank among the highest for passenger spending and consistently receive accolades for innovation and customer service. For more information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG is active at some 30 airports on four continents around the globe. Visit Fraport AG at fraport.com.
Unique music, dining and entertainment venue features concert-quality productions
NASHVILLE – On June 21, Ole Red celebrated the opening of its new 5,500-square-foot location at Nashville International Airport® (BNA®). The live music entertainment venue and brand inspired by Blake Shelton’s hit song “Ol’ Red” brings plenty of food, fun, and live music to the airport, offering a unique music and dining experience, morning to night.
Leaders from Ryman Hospitality Properties, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, and Fraport USA joined for a special toast with Ole Red Ale to mark the first Ole Red in a major U.S. airport and fifth location. Singer/songwriter and recording country artist Bailey Callahan also lit up the stage throughout the day as the featured musical guest.
“On behalf of the team at Ryman Hospitality Properties, I want to commend the Nashville Airport Authority and Fraport for designing an airport experience that showcases the best of what Nashville has to offer in such a welcoming environment,” said Pete Weien, SVP & Chief Operating Officer for Opry Entertainment Group. “We are pleased that Ole Red is now a part of helping BNA passengers make the most of their experience from the moment they set foot in Nashville until they board their flight home at the end of their stay in Music City.”
A satellite location of its flagship on Lower Broadway, live music is a centerpiece of Ole Red’s new space in Concourse C. It houses the biggest stage of any restaurant/bar at the airport, seating for nearly 200 patrons and concert-quality acoustics. The venues showcase hand-selected country artists.
“We are extremely proud to have Ole Red as a part of our new reimagined concessions program,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of BNA. “BNA is the first and last impression passengers get of our city, and it’s important for us to have consistency in what we offer both in Music City and BNA. Ole Red is a prime example of the culture of our city: country music, good food, and southern hospitality. We’re thrilled to welcome Ole Red into BNA!”
With the same scratch-made menu items, signature drinks, and Shelton flavors as the other Ole Red locations, the airport offers fliers a unique experience. Head Chef Jason “Punchy” Stuart created a new menu for the airport location with Ole Red staples like the Redneck Nachos and Austin Brisket Sandwich plus new specialties and, for the first time, breakfast items including The Big Ole Breakfast Burrito, the Avo Smashville Toast, and The Honeybee. Fans can visit the neighboring The Opry Shop for Ole Red merchandise and Music City keepsakes.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ole Red’s fifth location to BNA. This Music City icon is what our program is about — bringing an authentic Nashville and Tennessee experience to the airport,” said Matt Jennings, vice president of Fraport Tennessee, developer and manager of the concessions program. “Thanks to Ryman Hospitality, guests can enjoy the flavor and flair of Ole Red’s flagship in Lower Broadway right at the airport. It has been an amazing journey with our partners at Ryman, the MNAA, and our team. Thank you for providing an exceptional music and dining experience for guests at BNA and a big taste of Music City.”
About Ole Red
Ole Red is a lifestyle and entertainment brand inspired by Blake Shelton’s clever, irreverent third chart hit, “Ol’ Red.” Its bar, restaurant and live music venues showcase hand-selected country music talent alongside concert-quality production and a Shelton-inspired menu for a unique experience that is “served all day and night.” You can currently find Ole Red entertainment venues and products in four locations in the United States: Nashville, Tennessee, where the flagship, multi-story bar, restaurant and entertainment venue is located on famed Lower Broadway; Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Blake’s hometown; Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains; Orlando, Florida, which opened in 2020 at Icon Park; and in the Nashville International Airport. The sixth location is set to open in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2023. Ole Red is owned and operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. as part of its Opry Entertainment division. For additional information about Ole Red, visit us online at OleRed.com.
About Fraport USA®
Fraport USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage programs at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) Terminal B. A leading airport concessions model in North America, Fraport USA’s projects rank among the highest for passenger spending and consistently receive accolades for innovation and customer service. For more information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG is active at some 30 airports on four continents around the globe. Visit Fraport AG at fraport.com.
June 15, 2022
Grand opening celebration will be held on June 21
WHAT: On June 21, a Music City icon will take center stage at Nashville International Airport® (BNA®). Ole Red will celebrate the grand opening of its new location in Concourse C. The live music entertainment venue and brand inspired by Blake Shelton’s hit song “Ol’ Red” promises travelers plenty of food, fun, and live music at BNA®.
The summer celebration will include a toast with special guests to mark the first Ole Red in a major U.S. airport and live music by country recording artist, singer/songwriter Bailey Callahan.
A spinoff of its flagship on Lower Broadway, the new 5,500-square-foot restaurant and bar will feature live music by emerging country music artists as a centerpiece. Ole Red offers the biggest stage of any restaurant/bar at the airport and concert-quality acoustics.
Shelton-inspired dishes like the Redneck Nachos and Pulled Pork Sandwich are on the menu, plus new specialties, and breakfast items including The Big Ole Breakfast Burrito, the Avo Smashville Toast and The Honeybee.
Fans can also visit The Opry Shop for additional Ole Red merchandise and Music City keepsakes.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 – 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremony and Toast with special guests including:
Colin Reed, chairman and CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.
Doug Kreulen, president and CEO, Nashville International Airport®
Bill Casey, COO, Fraport USA Inc.
Matt Jennings, vice president, Fraport Tennessee Inc.
2:20 p.m. – Photo op
2:30 p.m. – Program concludes
Live Music
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Bailey Callahan
WHERE: Ole Red at Nashville International Airport – Concourse C, One Terminal Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
About Ole Red
Ole Red is a lifestyle and entertainment brand inspired by Blake Shelton’s clever, irreverent third chart hit, “Ol’ Red.” Its bar, restaurant and live music venues showcase hand-selected country music talent alongside concert-quality production and a Shelton-inspired menu for a unique experience that is “served all day and night.” You can currently find Ole Red entertainment venues and products in four locations in the United States: Nashville, Tennessee, where the flagship, multi-story bar, restaurant and entertainment venue is located on famed Lower Broadway; Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Blake’s hometown; Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains; Orlando, Florida, which opened in 2020 at Icon Park; and in the Nashville International Airport. The sixth location is set to open in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2023. Ole Red is owned and operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. as part of its Opry Entertainment division. For additional information about Ole Red, visit us online at OleRed.com.
About Fraport USA®
Fraport USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage programs at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) Terminal B. A leading airport concessions model in North America, Fraport USA’s projects rank among the highest for passenger spending and consistently receive accolades for innovation and customer service. For more information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG is active at some 30 airports on four continents around the globe. Visit Fraport AG at fraport.com.
June 3, 2022
BALTIMORE – Travelers at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport will discover offerings from the Maryland and D.C. region at five new retail shops. The new local operators are participants in the 2022 Launch Pad program. In its fifth year, small, local and minority businesses have greater opportunities to start an airport retail enterprise through this innovative program.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with officials on June 2 to celebrate the incoming class: Everything Blings Boutique, Messy Buddha, and Plum Good in Concourse D, WELL TRVLD in the A/B Food Court area, and the return of New Secrets Tea in Concourse B. The shops carry an array of stylish clothing and accessories, hand-crafted candles, exotic spices, custom apparel, and natural herbal teas.
The openings follow a rigorous recruitment and selection process, in-depth training and certification, and onboarding over the past few months. Fraport Maryland enhanced the program for 2022, bringing additional resources, training, mentoring, and ongoing business development, sales and marketing support with area business partners.
“We are delighted to welcome the class of 2022 to our program at BWI Marshall Airport,” said Gary Gilliard, vice president of Fraport Maryland, developer and manager of the concessions program. “Stories about how they got their start and all they have to offer with their unique product lines resonated with the selection committee. We wish them tremendous success with their new airport retail ventures.”
Since its inception in 2017, nine Launch Pad businesses have delighted passengers with diverse offerings that celebrate the region. Five new Launch Pad shops are now open for business at the airport.
About Fraport USA®
Fraport USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage programs at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) Terminal B. A leading airport concessions model in North America, Fraport USA’s projects rank among the highest for passenger spending and consistently receive accolades for innovation and customer service. For more information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG is active at some 30 airports on four continents around the globe. Visit Fraport AG at fraport.com.
June 1, 2022
PITTSBURGH – Fraport USA is pleased to announce the expansion of its legal team with the appointment of Nia D. Newton, Esq. as Chief Legal Officer (CLO).
As CLO, Nia will lead and provide strategic counsel on all legal, compliance, government affairs and human resource matters and will serve as an officer of the company. Previously, she served as corporate counsel for HMSHost since 2019 and for the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board in Washington, D.C., in 2018. Nia began her legal career as an associate in the D.C. office of global law firm Nixon Peabody. She earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, graduating with distinction, and her B.A. magna cum laude from Spelman College in Atlanta.
“I am enthusiastic to join the Fraport USA team and have the opportunity to continue growing and developing my craft within the airport/airport concessions industry,” said Ms. Newton. “This is an exciting time as we work in concert with partners and colleagues to strengthen ties and move the company and business into the future.”
“I am honored that Nia is now leading our in-house legal team. She brings wide-ranging experience in all areas of airport leasing, licensing, franchising and commercial agreements as well as a depth of knowledge in corporate governance, compliance and regulatory matters. Her leadership and capabilities will ensure we continue to excel in serving our customers across our operations,” said Fraport USA Chief Executive Officer Michael R. Mullaney. “Nia’s addition continues our investment in people as we grow and continue our cultural transformation.”
About Fraport USA®
Fraport USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) Terminal B. A leading airport concessions model in North America, Fraport USA’s projects rank among the highest for passenger spending and consistently receive accolades for innovation and customer service. For more information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG is active at some 30 airports on four continents around the globe. Visit Fraport AG at fraport.com.
January 14, 2022
Fraport Tennessee welcomed 35 new shops & restaurants in 2021
NASHVILLE – Fraport Tennessee closed out 2021 with a record-setting 35 new shop and restaurant openings at Nashville International Airport. In December alone, nine new restaurants welcomed holiday travelers to experience the local flavor and flair of Tennessee. The majority of the new arrivals are local brands that have opened an airport store for the first time.
December openings at the airport included Chick-fil-A, Little Harpeth Brewing, Kijiji Coffee House, Southernaire Market, 8th & Roast Coffee Co., TailGate Brewery, Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, Pig Star by Peg Leg Porker, and Three Casks.
“Our success in 2021 would not have been possible without our partners at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA),” said Matt Jennings, vice president of Fraport Tennessee. “On behalf of our team and new operators, I want to thank MNAA for all they did to support us on this amazing journey. We are excited for what will come in 2022.”
On the local craft scene, TailGate Brewery joins an already impressive lineup. The independent craft brewery specializes in small-batch specialty brews and scratch-made pizza. The new taproom in Concourse C features 12 craft beers on draft, craft pizzas and pizza by the slice, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
A Nashville original since 2003, Yazoo Brewing Company brings a variety of award-winning Yazoo beers in a newly renovated space. Fliers can enjoy beers on draft at the bar, in the concourse, or at the gate. Six-pack bottles are also available to go.
Another welcome addition in Concourse C, Southernaire Market, Nashville’s unique local market, deli, and eatery, features house-made items to go, exotic sauces, and gourmet products with a Southern influence.
In Concourse B, Little Harpeth Brewing adds flair with beers crafted in the tradition of German lagers, consistent with the beers of pre-prohibition Middle Tennesseans. The 1,564-square-foot taproom features award-winning beers and wines on tap, cocktails, and an extensive food menu.
Pig Star by Peg Leg Porker serves Memphis-style BBQ from acclaimed Pitmaster Carey Bringle, known for his award-winning Nashville restaurant, Peg Leg Porker. The new 2,186 square-foot restaurant offers BBQ meats smoked fresh daily, delicious sides, and signature sauces and rubs.
Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant take center stage with 3,676 square feet of premium space in Concourse D. Puckett’s roots date to the 1950s in a little grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. Known for great food and hospitality, Puckett’s built its name on hosting live music and serving Southern comfort food classics.
With Three Casks, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail now runs through Concourse C. The crafthouse, which occupies 2,606 square feet of space, features locally made whiskey, spirits, and beer from the Tennessee Distillers Guild and Tennessee Craft Brewers Guild. A craft scratch menu of burgers, sandwiches and in-house BBQ made with local ingredients round out the offerings.
On the coffee trail, travelers will discover more local shops on their journey. Bongo Java, Kijiji Coffee House, and 8th & Roast Coffee Co. serve delicious brews in multiple locations.
More than a dozen new shopping and dining locations will be added in 2022.
Discover more shopping, dining, and entertainment options at https://flynashville.com/inside-bna.
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About Fraport USA®
Fraport USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) Terminal B. A leading airport concessions model in North America, Fraport USA’s projects rank among the highest for passenger spending and consistently receive accolades for innovation and customer service. For more information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG is active at some 30 airports on four continents around the globe. Visit Fraport AG at fraport.com.
