SSP America brings local flavours and sounds to Minneapolis-St. Paul

USA. SSP America has opened two food & beverage outlets at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport: Republic and LoLo American Kitchen & Craft Bar.

Republic is described by the SSP Group division as a modern day gastropub offering locally crafted beer and food grown by regional farmers.

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SSP America President and CEO Michael Svagdis: “Passengers will enjoy an environment that delivers a complete Midwest experience”

Its original 7 Corners location was named among the ‘Top Beer Bars in America 2013-2016’ by Draft Magazine.

The McNally Smith College of Music, which is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, will showcase the talents of its students, alumni and faculty with live music performances during peak travel times at Republic’s Terminal 1 location.

The performances will span a variety of genres, reflecting the diversity of music styles taught at the college.

“We’ve worked hard to be a leader in local and craft beer. Our hope is to carry that message to the airport’s travellers so they can experience what we’re up to,” said Republic owner Matthew O’Reilly.

“The McNally Smith connection is a perfect fit. We’re very much into local music and the arts, so we could not have asked for a better partner aligned with our values.”

The second new offering at the airport is LoLo American Kitchen & Craft Bar. LoLo stands for ‘Locally Owned Locally Operated’.

Its owners, Brad Nordeen and Joe Ehlenz, originally launched the bar in their hometown of Stillwater. It offers craft cocktails and craft beers, as well as an open kitchen to allow diners to interact with the chefs.

LoLo at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport will serve cocktails and “beautifully constructed” small plates featuring seasonal ingredients, SSP America said.

“Our goal is to deliver an authentic experience to the traveller,” commented LoLo Managing Partner Joe Ehlenz. “We want to keep the same ideals that we’ve kept street side—scratch bar to kitchen using local distillers and food products. It’s been a winning combination for us, and we believe with SSP America as our operating partner, it will be a winning combination at the airport.”

SSP America President and CEO Michael Svagdis said of the new outlets: “Republic and LoLo are incredible examples of the Twin Cities’ thriving food scene, renowned Midwestern hospitality, and diverse culture that celebrates the region’s bountiful farmland. By layering in performances that showcase the rich music traditions of the region, the McNally Smith College of Music will ensure passengers enjoy an environment that delivers a complete Midwest experience.”

Metropolitan Airports Commission CEO Brian Ryks added: “SSP has been a long-time partner of Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, and has demonstrated time and again its commitment to upholding the airport’s mission ‘to provide your best airport experience’.

“Republic and LoLo showcase some of the best restaurants our state has to offer. I want to thank SSP for its support of some outstanding local entrepreneurs and its elevation of Minneapolis-St. Paul’s restaurant offerings in terms of both design and culinary innovation.”

NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes The Foodie Report, the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. The company co-organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. The Foodie Report e-Newsletter is published every two weeks and The Foodie Report e-Zine every month.

Please send all news of food & beverage outlet openings, together with images, menus, video etc to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com to ensure unrivalled global exposure.

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