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AirportImprovement.com      July | August 2026
CONCESSIONS 
DFW 
It also promotes economic value, especially to travelers who 
have several hours to wait before their flights. “If you go into an 
airport today and want to have a full meal and maybe a beverage 
or cocktail, odds are good that you’re going to spend quite a bit 
of money,” says Bélanger. 
Local Identity Through Design
While all Plaza Premium Group lounges reflect the company’s 
global brand identity, the new locations at DFW also include strong 
influences from the Dallas region. “We always want to make sure 
that people know that they are in a Plaza Premium Lounge or Plaza 
Premium First,” Bélanger notes. “But the sense of place and the 
specifics of where we are being in North Texas…is reflected in 
some of the look and feel.”
Local artwork, regional beverages and subtle Texas-inspired 
design elements are integrated throughout the spaces. “We didn’t 
try to replicate the stockyards, obviously, but we just put a bit of a 
wink or a bit of a nod to where we are,” Bélanger describes. The 
culinary program also incorporates local and seasonal influences 
where possible, giving travelers one final taste of North Texas 
before they depart. 
The design process involved close collaboration between Plaza 
Premium Group’s internal design teams, architects and construction 
partners. Woolpert led the architectural design work following 
its acquisition of Florida-based architecture group Barbado. 
Construction was handled by Holt Construction, a contractor 
Plaza Premium Group has previously partnered with multiple times. 
“These are not simple builds,” Bélanger advises. “This is a live 
airport, so we have to always be mindful of where we are.”
As usual, Plaza Premium Group assigned its own onsite project 
manager to oversee timelines, contractor coordination and 
operational integration throughout construction.
Digital Tools
While lounge hospitality centers on comfort and service, technology 
plays a critical role behind the scenes. Plaza Premium Group uses 
a proprietary admission control system to process guests and verify 
lounge eligibility. Self-service check-in kiosks are also available for 
travelers with qualifying access credentials. 
The company relies on operational analytics and predictive 
tools to help manage staffing, capacity and passenger flow. Data 
collected at each lounge helps forecast busy periods by hour, 
day and season, allowing management teams to adjust staffing 
levels and operational strategies accordingly. During peak travel 
periods such as Thanksgiving, the tech tools become especially 
important.
Scan to
learn more
Two New Lounges
at Dallas Fort Worth
International Airport
U.S. debut of Plaza Premium First 
and an expanded flagship presence.
Blending local culinary touches, 
thoughtful design, and global 
service standards.
Escape the crowds for an elevated 
pre-flight experience.

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