July 1, 2014
MSE Branded Foods (MSE) from Gainesville, GA has been chosen to operate the food and beverage concessions in the new airport terminal when it opens in the spring of 2015. MSE was founded in 1987 and specializes in food and beverage operations at small hub airports similar in size to Wichita, as well as in malls, hospitals, universities, and hotels.
The selection of MSE follows a nationally advertised request for proposals, in-person presentations and interviews.
MSE’s food and beverage concepts will include a mixture of major and popular national brands, along with strong locally-themed restaurants. Subject to final operational discussions with MSE and completion of design efforts, it is anticipated that on opening day of the new terminal, MSE will provide food and beverage units at four separate locations:
- A pre-security aviation-themed Café will be located just inside the main terminal entrance on the ground floor, and will be accessible by meeters and greeters and airport employees and anyone not desiring to go through the security checkpoint. The Café will offer a wide array of baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, grab-and-go items, fresh made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, pizzas, and salads. It will also include a bar to complement the location.
- Just past the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, the Center Food Court area will prominently feature a variety of offerings. The quick-service walk-up counter offerings will include Chick-fil-A and Dunkin’ Donuts, two of the most popular brands nationwide. Chick-fil-A will offer a variety of its classic chicken sandwiches, in both a breakfast and an all-day menu. Dunkin’ Donuts will offer a variety of popular coffees, pastries, bagels, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and beverages. In addition, this area will include Wichita’s own River City Brewing Company, which will provide a casual dining option with fresh, local brews along with a sit-down restaurant menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, grilled items, pizzas, burgers, desserts, and other pub food. There is room for future expansion and additional brand offerings in the food court when customer demand dictates.
- In a prime location for aircraft viewing in the center concourse, the Air Capital Bar will provide a full-service bar and a light menu of appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, and fresh pizzas.
- On the concourse northwest end, MSE will operate a Grab and Fly unit which will feature breakfast sandwiches, fresh baked goods, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, and a selection of sandwiches and other grab-and-go items for those on a short time schedule.
Passengers and guests will be pleased to know that prices for food and beverages will be affordable. MSE will base menu items on local area street pricing plus no more than 10%.
“MSE has impressed us with their market research, product offerings, and outstanding references from other airports. They will be providing a great variety of national and local brands sure to please everyone,” said Victor White, Director of Airports. Jack Hough, president of MSE said, “We are excited to begin this new partnership with the airport. We look forward to bringing the Wichita traveling public an enhanced array of dining options along with the highest level of customer service. Additionally, MSE will create over seventy-five jobs at the airport. Those currently employed by the airport’s existing operator will be given priority in the hiring process.”
