Delaware North Companies Debuts First Location of Food Network Kitchen at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, one of the nation's leading airport food service  and retail companies, in partnership with Food Network, has debuted the nation's first airport outpost of Food Network Kitchen at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.  The grand opening celebration of the restaurant took place on Nov. 8 in Terminal 3, Concourse F, and was attended by city and county elected officials and dignitaries as well as by Delaware North Companies, Food Network and Broward County Aviation executives.   

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110107/NY26567LOGO )

"Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is proud to be the first airport to offer the Food Network Kitchen's unique dining options for FLL travelers. The Food Network Kitchen is an authority in the culinary world and a name people will recognize," said Kent G. George, A.A.E., director of aviation for Broward County.

"We are thrilled to welcome travelers to our Food Network Kitchen at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a first-of-its-kind concept offering the newest and freshest alternative in dining-on-the-go," said Matt King, president of Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services. "Here, families can enjoy creative dining options that are fast, fresh and healthy in a welcoming environment with the attentive, hospitable services that guests have come to expect from Food Network and Delaware North Companies."

Food Network Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant and gourmet market from America's best friend in food that takes dining while traveling to new heights. Inspired by the real test kitchens at the heart of Food Network, the restaurant offers fresh, delicious food made with wholesome local ingredients including sustainable food with organic produce, all-natural meats and artisan-baked breads.  Additionally, Food Network Kitchen features a curated selection of snacks, drinks and baked goods from South Florida's leading food artisans.

"For years, fans of Food Network have asked to dine in our New York City test kitchen. Now, with Food Network Kitchen, they finally have their chance and we are delighted to host them," said Sergei Kuharsky, general manager of Food Network's new business enterprises. "Fort Lauderdale has delicious local ingredients and a vibrant food culture making it the perfect city to open our first Food Network Kitchen.  We're excited to serve customers Food Network's fresh take on South Florida food and to give them a unique taste of Food Network."

Made-to-order options at the new Food Network Kitchen include a Cuban Breakfast Burrito served in a whole wheat wrap, Steel-Cut Oatmeal with dried tropical fruit, a Florida Shrimp Po' Boy, a Tropical Turkey Sandwich, a Black Beans & Rice Burger with Mojo Mayo and a Citrus Cobb Salad.  Smaller bites for children and a variety of bar snacks and sides are also available. Grab-and-go selections include a Goat Cheese, Watercress and Fennel Sandwich, a Tropical Fruit Salad with orange, mango, papaya and pineapple and a Baby Kale Salad with hearts of palm, papaya and candied pecans in a white balsamic vinaigrette. Patrons can also order a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, while skilled bartenders will be pouring locally-inspired cocktails, South Florida craft beers and a variety of wines that pair perfectly with the food.

Food Network Kitchen's bright and airy layout features design cues from their own test kitchen, as well as traditional commercial kitchens, such as a butcher block bar counter, subway tiling and stainless steel surfaces.  Monitors feature Food Network programming and custom content for those dining within the space.

Food Network Kitchen is situated in Terminal 3, Concourse F at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 200 Terminal Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily, seven days a week.

About Food Network

FOOD NETWORK (www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers' best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring and empowering through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and averages more than 9.9 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine has tripled its rate base and delivers a circulation of 1.45 million. Headquartered in New York, Food Network has a growing international presence with programming in more than 150 countries, including 24 hour networks in Great Britain, India, Asia and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), which also owns and operates Cooking Channel (www.cookingchanneltv.com), DIY Network (www.diynetwork.com), Great American Country (www.gactv.com), HGTV (www.hgtv.com), and Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.com),  is the manager and general partner.

About Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services

Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, is one of the world's leading airport food service and retail companies, operating 300 restaurants and retail outlets in more than 25 airports worldwide, and serving more than 350 million customers each year. Its award-winning operations include airports throughout the United States, such as Los Angeles International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, as well as international airports such as Melbourne International Airport in Australia and Gatwick International Airport in London.

About Delaware North Companies

Delaware North Companies is one of the largest and most admired privately held hospitality companies in the world. Founded and owned by the Jacobs family for nearly 100 years, it is a global leader in hospitality and food service. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International and Delaware North Companies Boston, owner of TD Garden. Delaware North Companies has revenue exceeding $2.6 billion annually and 55,000 associates serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com. 

SOURCE Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services