Renowned Celebrity Chef Michael Symon to Bring Bold Flavors, Signature Dishes to AIRMALL® at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) with Opening of First Airport Restaurant

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity chef 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."  This spring, Chef Symon will bring his energy, his passion for food, and his inventive cuisine to travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) with the opening of his first airport restaurant, Bar Symon.   

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AIRMALL® USA, the leading airport concessions developer in North America and operator of the AIRMALL at PIT, is pleased to announce that Bar Symon (2,500 sq. ft) has signed a lease agreement for a high-profile location in the airport's center core.  The restaurant is slated to open in the spring of 2012. 

"We have one of the best airports in the world.  Having world-renowned Chef Symon's restaurant, Bar Symon, open in Pittsburgh recognizes the world-class reputation of our airport.  The addition of Bar Symon will be a bonus to travelers going to and from Pittsburgh, as well as passing through.  We are thrilled to welcome Chef Symon to the AIRMALL and look forward to the mouth-watering dishes that will be served there," said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

"Pittsburgh International Airport has always been an industry innovator since its opening, and in 2012, we will mark a milestone when we celebrate the airport's 20th anniversary," added Glenn Mahone, chairman, Allegheny County Airport Authority Board.  "A large part of our success has been our award-winning concessions program.  Bar Symon is a sign of more great things to come as the airport opens a new chapter in its third decade." 

"The AIRMALL at Pittsburgh International Airport has always been the pioneer in airport concessions.  We were the first to introduce internationally recognized brands to the airport concourse, and we have been the driving force behind an enhanced passenger experience for nearly 20 years since we established the AIRMALL," said Jay Kruisselbrink, vice president of development for AIRMALL Pittsburgh.  "Chef Symon's choice to open his first airport restaurant in Pittsburgh raises the bar once again.  His unique take on classic dishes will bring new energy to the concessions program at PIT, and we are certain that Bar Symon will quickly become a passenger favorite."

Bar Symon will offer a diverse menu that showcases Chef Symon's creative twists on comfort food classics.  Signature dishes will include 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. 

"More great concepts are on their way to join Bar Symon at the AIRMALL at PIT in 2012," Kruisselbrink added.  "These other new entries will include highly recognizable national brands along with concepts that give a nod to western Pennsylvania and its passion for professional hockey, football and baseball." 

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

"We are very excited to partner with United Concessions Group, the AIRMALL at PIT, and the Paradies Group on our first airport venture," said Michael Symon.  "Bar Symon is sure to bring a unique dining experience to airport travelers."

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 two 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
412-642-7700
[email protected]

SOURCE AIRMALL USA