Airport Authority Board Approves New Short- and Long-Term Restaurants For Terminal 2

shopsVanAuken also introduced as new VP for Communications and Community Affairs

RDU Airport, N.C. – The Airport Authority board approved five new restaurants for Terminal 2 today at its regular monthly meeting. The five restaurants include two short-term and three long-term concepts to serve an increasing number of passengers in the airport’s largest terminal.

Short-term locations include the following and are scheduled to open in Fall 2016:

  • Starbucks®, which will be the airport’s 5th location, at Gate D-14
  • Tap Room, featuring a full bar and pub fare, at Gate D-15

Long-term restaurants include the following and are scheduled to open in late Fall 2017:

  • Dale Jr.’s Whisky River, a full-service restaurant featuring a stage for live music, Gate D-14
  • Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, a fast-food concept featuring fried chicken, Gate D-15
  • Starbucks®, which will replace the nearby temporary unit, Gate D-14

“We want to offer more of what our customer’s want- quality concepts and brands that they trust,” said Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Landguth. “The addition of these restaurants will enable us to provide the world-class level of service our customers deserve.”

HMS Host, which currently operates many of the restaurants in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, will operate the new stores. The company will partner with JQ Enterprises, a local Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, on the operation of Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen.

The short-term units will provide passengers using the south end of the concourse with convenient food options until the long-term units open in late Fall 2017. Work on the short-term (Starbucks® and Tap Room) units will begin immediately.

VanAuken Introduced as VP-Communications and Community Affairs

Kristie VanAuken was introduced to the Airport Authority board today as the airport’s new Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs. VanAuken served as Sr. Vice President for Marketing Communications for the Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio for the past 20 years.

VanAuken will oversee the airport’s communications, government affairs, air service recruitment and guest services functions. She succeeds Teresa Damiano, who retired earlier this year after 29 years of service.