AIRMALL at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) Re-sets the Bar for Airport Dining with Opening of Michael Symon's New Bar Symon

PITTSBURGH, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AIRMALL® USA, the leading airport concessions developer in North America and operator of the AIRMALL at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), is signaling the beginning of a new era in high-quality airport dining with the opening of Bar Symon, the first airport restaurant to feature the inventive cuisine of celebrity chef Michael Symon.  The restaurant (2,500 sq. feet) is located in the airport's center core and offers a menu that showcases Symon's creative twists on comfort food classics, all made with the freshest ingredients from local purveyors.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100802/NE44129LOGO)

"At AIRMALL, we have always been a pioneer in airport concessions and were the very first developer to bring brands to the airport terminal.  With the opening of Bar Symon, we have re-set the bar once again," said Jay Kruisselbrink, vice president of development for AIRMALL Pittsburgh.  "Every aspect of Bar Symon was designed to offer passengers an unforgettable dining experience that also reflects the history and tastes of Pittsburgh.  Travelers are sure to appreciate Bar Symon's dedication to creating dishes made with fresh and local ingredients, all served in a setting that reflects Chef Symon's love of food and cooking."

Bar Symon is focused on providing a fun atmosphere where travelers can relax and enjoy a great meal.  The restaurant's interior was designed to reflect a sense of history and authenticity while capturing the traditional, relaxed feeling found in the classic cafes and breweries of France. 

Diners will notice unique photographs, including photos of the former Pittsburgh Meat Market and the historic Rothman's Restaurant and Bar, which are the centerpieces of the restaurant's interior design.  The photographs pay homepage to Pittsburgh's food industry while also reflecting Chef Symon's dedication to creating a menu that features ingredients from Pittsburgh-based suppliers and vendors.  Helping to create a truly unique atmosphere, sections of a former Pennsylvania bowling alley have been reclaimed and used as the restaurant's table tops. Rounding out the interior design are photos of Michael Symon and a chalkboard featuring the draft beer list printed in Chef Symon's signature font.

In keeping with Chef Symon's farm-to-table philosophy, Bar Symon is working with local vendors to ensure the freshest ingredients possible.  The restaurant has partnered with Mediterra Bakehouse, located minutes away from the airport, to supply fresh bread made with the finest ingredients.  Bar Symon will also source its produce from Pittsburgh-based Paragon Wholesale Foods.

"I am so pleased to bring my passion for serving great food in a fun environment to airport travelers in Pittsburgh," said Michael Symon. "Dining is all about the experience, and we've captured that with Bar Symon.  I have no doubt it will quickly become a passenger favorite."

Michael Symon has wowed audiences with his exuberant cooking style, has earned the title of Food Network's "The Next Iron Chef," and has inspired home cooks with his popular cookbook "Live to Cook: Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen."  Bar Symon will include many of Chef Symon's signature dishes, including the Lola Burger topped with a fried egg and pickled red onions; Lola Fries with sea salt and fresh rosemary; and two varieties of baked macaroni and cheese, including one with blue cheese, bacon and parsley and one with cheddar, pulled pork, hot sauce and scallions.  

Bar Symon is a joint venture operated by United Concessions Group and The Paradies Shops.

Founded in 1992, the AIRMALL at PIT pioneered the developer model for airport concessions across the United States by introducing "Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed."  Passengers pay no more for goods and services at the AIRMALL than they would pay at a comparable nearby store or restaurant.  For the past several years, the AIRMALL at PIT took first place among U.S. airports in the food, shops and amenities category in Conde Nast Traveler's Annual Business Travel Awards.

For more information on AIRMALL USA, visit www.airmallusa.com.   

About AIRMALL® USA
AIRMALL® USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at Pittsburgh International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport (Terminals B and E), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.  The leading airport concessions model in North America, AIRMALL USA continues to boast among the highest per-passenger spends on the continent and consistently receives accolades for innovation and customer service.  AIRMALL USA is owned by Prospect Capital Corporation, a leading New York investment company founded in 1988.  For more information on AIRMALL USA, visit www.airmallusa.com.  

Contact: Jeff Donaldson
For AIRMALL USA
412-642-7700
[email protected]

SOURCE AIRMALL USA