PHILADELPHIA — June 6, 2023 — MarketPlace PHL, developer and operator of the merchant and concessions program at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), recently celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary, officially marking a quarter century’s worth of projects, progress and memorable moments.
The award-winning airport retail and dining program, widely known to Philly travelers as PHL Food & Shops, was custom-conceived for Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation (DOA) and the city of Philadelphia and jointly launched in June 1998.
From the very start, MarketPlace PHL has been committed to creating positive transformations around the airport and providing passengers with favorable travel experiences amid a vast array of retail and culinary options.
At an early June anniversary celebration, the team at MarketPlace PHL honored and acknowledged longtime colleagues at the DOA. MarketPlace PHL also celebrated the businesses on board since the beginning, including Auntie Anne’s, Lids, Johnston & Murphy, Pennsylvania Market, Sbarro, Sunglass Hut, Time to Fly and Yummy Pretzels.
“We’re grateful to our merchants, concessionaires and especially the DOA and the city of Philadelphia for their unwavering support of the PHL Food & Shops program through the years,” said Clarence LeJeune, Operating Partner of MarketPlace PHL. “Thank you, as well, to the many thousands of employees whose hard work and dedication over the past 25 years built this business, literally and figuratively.”
MarketPlace PHL’s lineup of 170-plus shops and restaurants offers passengers a diverse selection of products and services ranging from fashion to literature, travel accessories to electronics, massages to memorabilia — and everything in between — with dining options aplenty.
The PHL Food & Shops program, developed by MarketPlace PHL, is ever-changing and evolving along with the travelers at PHL. With renowned apparel and accessory brands, such as Pandora, Brooks Brothers and White House Black Market; unique dining concepts, such as Bud & Marilyn’s; and Philly classics, like Chickie’s & Pete’s and Geno’s Steaks, MarketPlace PHL guarantees something for everyone at PHL — with always more on the horizon.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 25 years since we launched our merchant program and our partnership with the DOA,” said Mel Hannah, Vice President and General Manager of MarketPlace PHL. “We appreciate being a part of Philadelphia’s robust and ongoing commitment to growing our region’s travel and tourism economy.”
