b'72 SYRCONCESSIONSSyracuse Hancock Exceeds Small HubExpectations With Big-Airport Concessions BY NICOLE NELSONDespite being a relatively smallappearances from FACTS&FIGURESplayer in the concessionsthe local Chick-fil-A Project: Expanding Concessions marketplace, Syracuse Hancockrestaurant. Location: Syracuse Hancock Intl Airport, in NY International Airport (SYR) isnt afraid ofThe big-airport punching above its weight class. lineup at SYR all started Operating Entity: Syracuse Regional Airport Authority For years, the Syracuse Regional Airportwith a common-use New Concessions: Escape Lounge SYR (JuneAuthority was repeatedly told that, loungespassenger lounge. 2023); QDOBA Mexican Eats (Feb. 2025); Einsteindont really happen in small hub airports.There was beautifulJASON MEHLBros. Bagels (May 2025) But officials persevered to develop onepotential for concessions and a lounge Lounge Leaseholder: CAVU anyway, turning 2,800 square feet of spacethat was just sitting behind a wall that was QDOBA & Einstein Bros. Bagelsthat was not generating any revenue intootherwise being used for storage, explains Leaseholder: Gideon Toal Management Servicesan award-winning lounge for SYRs growingJason Mehl, chief commercial officer for the Pop-Up Concessionaire: Local Chick-fil-Apassenger base.Airport Authority. Debut: Fall 2024 They also managed to add two nationalThe project began by testing the waters at Initial Frequency: Twice monthly restaurant brandsQDOBA and Einsteinseveral industry conferences and trade shows. Key Benefit: Improving the passenger experience Bros. Bagelsplus recurring pop-upAfter determining that there was, indeed, October 2025AirportImprovement.com'