Openings

Local flavours and sports stars to the fore as Calgary International plays home game

Hold the back page… you wait ages for one dedicated sports outlet to come along and then get two at once (see story on Melbourne’s AFL Bar & Kitchen).

In a move that embraces the current trend for Sense of Place dining experiences, Calgary International Airport (YYC) has revealed details of a two-year project which is set to transform the airport’s food & beverage offer. And one of those is all about the local ice hockey team.

HMSHost and Paradies Lagardère have each unveiled new concepts which will open as part of the new developments, alongside local healthy hero Made Foods.

Hot concept: The Flames Grill pays homage to the Calgary Flames ice hockey team

The first of HMSHost’s concepts is Flames Grill, being created in partnership with the owners of ice hockey team Calgary Flames.

Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation Vice-President Food & Beverage and Information Technology Ziad Mehio said: “We are both excited and proud to be part of the new guest experience improvements at YYC.

“Our ambition is to deliver the same high level of customer service and culinary delights that you would experience during a Flames game at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Every day will be game day for YYC guests at the Flames Grill.”

The second of HMSHost’s projects will be a casual family full-service restaurant, The Burger Federation, in the Domestic Terminal.

The other confirmed opening under HMSHost’s wing is the Last Best Brewing & Distilling bar, in partnership with the local Calgary brand of the same name.

Last Best Brewing & Distilling CEO Brett Ireland said: “We are excited to be included in this diverse group of truly local brands. Last Best’s goal has been to create authentic, quality-driven experiences for our guests.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be the first and last point of contact for travellers who get to taste a little bit of Alberta on their plate and in their beer glass.”

Of his company’s planned Calgary openings, HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Kent Vanden Oever said: “Providing Calgary travellers with a memorable dining experience each time they visit the airport is our priority.

Homegrown talent Made Foods serves healthy convenience food and drink

“The Flames Grill, Last Best Brewing & Distilling and The Burger Federation represent just the right mix of favourite regional flavours, local culture, and on-trend brands to inspire excitement about eating in the airport.”

Rundle Market is one of three new retail locations from Paradies Lagardère

Meanwhile, Paradies Lagardère will operate three new retail locations in the form of clothing store No Boundaries, Rundle Market and the Three Sisters Market, the latter incorporating its own bar.

Another new opening is from Calgary-based healthy convenience food and drink specialist Made Foods. Its menu will include fresh salads, sandwiches, entrées and ‘power’ bowls and will cater for all dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy aware.

Made Foods President Chris Dobson said: “The need for healthy, convenient food options while travelling has never been greater.

“Travellers can count on us to offer a selection of fresh, delicious local meals, both made-to-order and ready to eat, with endless options for all dietary preferences and keeping your health top of mind.”

Three Sisters Market will combine retail with a wine bar, Vino Volo

Calgary Airport Authority CFO and Vice-President, Finance Rob Palmer said his organisation’s goal is to bring the best locally well-known brands to Calgary International’s passengers.

He added: “Welcoming these new concepts will substantially increase the number and improve the variety of eating and shopping options at our airport.”

HMSHost's casual full-service family restaurant, The Burger Federation joins the Flames Grill and Last Best Brewing & Distilling in Calgary

The Foodie Report | 25 June 2019