KILLEEN, Texas (April 26, 2022) – The Killeen-Foot Hood Regional Airport (GRK) is hosting a ribbon cutting for the grand re-opening of three, new Airport Concessionaires on Thursday, April 28 at 4p.m.
The airport has added the Co-Pilot Coffee and Cantina, Rotors and Wings Grill and Boarding Time Gifts. The new operator of these concessions is Tailwind Concessions, a company that aims to enhance the airport experience for busy travelers, vacationers and airport personnel.
“These offerings came at a great time,” Mike Wilson, Executive Director of Aviation said. “In the middle of the pandemic, we were able to partner with a concessions group that specializes in regional airports, we’ll have wonderful options to enhance passenger experience for our Central Texas Hometown Airport.”
The airport had a soft opening of these businesses in February of 2021 and saw revenues of about $445,000 within its first year. That’s their highest-grossing concessionaire revenue since 2016. The concessions have been revamped in improved over the last year and this ceremony will celebrate the upgrades.
“We’re happy to see the success of these three, new businesses at our local airport,” Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King said. “The City of Killeen’s Aviation Department works hard to make each traveler’s experience smooth and stress free and what better way to do that than offering great amenities like good food, beverages and gifts.”
Co-Pilot Coffee and Cantina offers coffee and adult beverages, Rotors and Wings Grill offers hot meals, and travelers can pick up their favorite trinkets and gifts at Boarding Time Gifts. The concessionaires also have kiosks past security checkpoints, where many of these items can also be purchased.
Participants for the event include Mayor Debbie, Bell County Judge David Blackburn, congressional representatives and the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce. Guests of the event will have a chance to sample offerings from the new concessionaires, as well as receive a tour by the Killeen Airport Operations Center (AOC).
Tailwind Concessions operates in 37 regional airport markets across the country. The ceremony is scheduled to end at 7p.m.