Local Franchisee Opens Unit on Concourse C
CLEVELAND, October 5, 2009 – The signature overstuffed sandwiches of Panini’s Bar and Grill, a Cleveland original and local favorite, have arrived at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). Owned by United Concessions Group, Inc. of Cleveland, Panini’s Bar and Grill (1,700 sq. ft.) opened on Friday, October 2 on Concourse C. Panini’s offers travelers its signature overstuffed sandwiches along with appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, pizza, wings and burgers, all freshly prepared on the premises.
“Complete with its mile-high sandwiches and other distinctive menu items, Panini’s Bar and Grill is the latest in a wide array of local concepts that are establishing a presence at the AIRMALL® at CLE,” said Tina LaForte, vice president of BAA Cleveland. “BAA Cleveland is dedicated to giving passengers a wide variety of high-quality dining options, all at ‘Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed.’”
“We are excited to be a part of the concessions development at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport,” added Ben Rababy, vice president of United Concessions Group, Inc. and the franchisee for the Panini’s at the AIRMALL®. “At the airport, airlines are not big fans of overstuffed baggage, but we are certain that our overstuffed sandwiches will win fans quickly, making us a preferred destination for a quality meal on the go.”
Established in 1986 in the Cleveland Flats, Panini’s Bar and Grill has grown from a neighborhood sandwich shop to a respected restaurant brand across the state of Ohio with nearly 20 locations.
“The new AIRMALL® is certainly going to provide passengers with a true taste of Cleveland,” said Ricky Smith, director of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. “We are pleased to provide passengers with local favorites such as Panini’s Bar and Grill and other concepts that represent the best our region has to offer.”
The City of Cleveland forged a 10-year contract with BAA Cleveland in February 2008 to develop and manage concessions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). The city anticipates the AIRMALL® will double the current participation rate of local and minority-owned companies, double the number of concession jobs, and double retail sales figures during the next decade.
When complete, the AIRMALL® at CLE will occupy 76,000 square feet of retail space.