Areas USA, Robinson Hill Present Kofe Powered by Intelligentsia at O’Hare’s Terminal 5
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) August 15, 2013 -- Areas USA, Inc., the airport concessions giant that is transforming terminals nationwide, in partnership with Westfield, developer of iconic shopping destinations worldwide, announces the opening of Kofe Powered by Intelligentsia in Terminal 5 of O’Hare International Airport. It’s the first coffee bar in Terminal 5, part of a massive reboot by Areas and joint venture partner Robinson Hill, Inc., designed to enhance food and beverage options for international travelers.
Areas and Robinson Hill specialize in modernizing tired airport concessions with vibrant options that offer more variety and healthier menu options. Kofe, pronounced “coffee,” is the result of a collaboration between Areas and Chicago-based Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Inc., which, since 1995, has established itself as the choice of connoisseurs. Intelligentsia doesn’t just buy its coffee from an importer; it’s on the ground in 20 countries, helping to cultivate the most sublime coffee beans grown in East Africa, Central America, South America and Indonesia, and roasting them at home to release each nuance of flavor and aroma.
“Cosmopolitan travelers know good coffee from bad, and nowhere is a great cup more appreciated than when you’re far from home. Air travel isn’t only about getting to your destination; it is about enjoying the journey,” said Oscar Hernandez, Vice President of Airport Operations for Areas USA. “We are proud to be presenting a Chicago brand that will please even the most discerning palates coming through Terminal 5.”
“Prior to 2012, passengers couldn’t even get a hot cup of coffee after passing through Terminal 5 security,” said Dominic Lowe, Executive Vice President of Westfield. “With our redevelopment in high gear, we’re excited to showcase local brands and local partners in Intelligentsia and Robinson Hill. Passengers are delighting in Kofe and there is still so much more to come.”
Kofe Powered by Intelligentsia will initially showcase a Yirgacheffe coffee with notes of jasmine and lemongrass from southern Ethiopia. Heirloom varietals from other regions will rotate through Kofe in subsequent months.
“As an airport concessions operator, Kofe Powered by Intelligentsia represents the perfect blend of local focus and international flair,” said Dee Robinson Reid, President, Robinson Hill, Inc. “Frequent international travelers will appreciate the variety and the fact the beans, from exotic regions around the world, are ground in Chicago. Because Kofe is the only coffee retailer in T5, it is vital that the concept remain consistent and fresh. We’re not taking anything for granted.”
Like eight other dining outposts slated to open in T5 this year, Kofe will be located past security checkpoints within a comfortable distance of ticketed passengers’ gates. Previously, 95 percent of the terminal’s dining and retail options were located before security checkpoints.
A European-style standing-room bar, Kofe was conceived for travelers on tight schedules. It will sell a house blend and Black Cat espresso by the cup and in 12-ounce bags. Souvenir mugs will be available for purchase.
“We work hard to get coffee from the tree to the table as fast as possible,” said Stephen Morrissey, Director of Communications for Intelligentsia. “You can taste the difference in coffee harvested at its peak.We want to make that first sip transcendent for T5 travelers.”
Areas USA and Robinson HiIl scout for restaurants and talent homegrown in the cities surrounding each airport where it transforms concessions. In April, Terminal 5 opened Tortas Frontera, the fast-casual Mexican concept from world-renowned chef Rick Bayless. It was the first new restaurant in Terminal 5 since it opened in 1993, setting the course for nine new dining introductions over the next several months.
Next is a spinoff of Chicago’s hip trattoria Tocco. Chef Bruno Abate’s airport outpost is scheduled to open this fall. Areas USA and Robinson Hill also are working with the City Colleges of Chicago’s Washburn Culinary Institute to provide jobs for students.
“Areas USA intends to make each dining discovery in Terminal 5 a memorable treat,” Hernandez said. “We want to give these international travelers something to write home about -- and to revisit on their return.”
About Areas USA
Areas USA is a leading provider of food, beverage and retail services to the travel industry, servingMiami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Reagan National Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Maryland I-95 Travel Plazas, among others. Known for superior customer service, Areas USA is a subsidiary of Areas worldwide, a top hospitality and retail provider in the transit markets of Spain, Portugal and Latin America. Areas operates more than 1,250 establishments in airports, highway plazas and railway stations globally.
About Robinson Hill
As part of its brand portfolio, Robinson Hill (http://www.robinsonhillusa.com) owns, manages and operates award‐winning food & beverage and news & gift concessions in non-traditional locations, principally in airports. Robinson Hill merges brand leadership, operational excellence and a superior customer experience to achieve strong performance results. Based in Chicago, with operations at Boston Logan, Reagan National, Cleveland Hopkins, Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports and Navy Pier, one of Robinson Hill’s goals is to elevate the dining and retail experience in airports, raising the bar with top brands, great food, but most importantly, a relentless customer focus.
About Intelligentsia
Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Inc., was founded in 1995 by Doug Zell and Emily Mange. From its Chicago headquarters, Intelligentsia dispatches buying teams to 20 countries to source, develop, roast and deliverthe best coffee and tea in the world.To ensure its growers prosper, Intelligentsia pays them prices far above international fair trade standards. Intelligentsia is expanding too, with stores in Chicago, New York and San Francisco, some featuring pastries developed in collaboration with James Beard-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal.
About Westfield Group
As part of its global portfolio, the Westfield Group designs, develops, owns, manages and leases award‐winning shopping venues in landmark cities around the world. Among the company’s iconic retail destinations are: Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City in the U.K.; Westfield Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia; Westfield San Francisco Centre; Westfield Century City in Los Angeles and Westfield Sydney. Upcoming Westfield world‐class retail icons include Westfield World Trade Center (opening in 2015) and Westfield Milan in Italy. Westfield operates in eight major U.S. airports, including some of the highest revenue generating facilities in the U.S., and has earned more than 100 first place awards from Airport Revenue News and Airports Council International North America. Westfield currently manages concessions programs at Chicago O’Hare International, Boston Logan International, George Bush Houston Intercontinental, John F. Kennedy International, Los Angeles International, Miami International, Newark Liberty International and Orlando International airports.
Robin Beaman, Beaman Incorporated, (312) 751-9689, [email protected]
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