USA. United Airlines and OTG have unveiled their first new permanent dining concepts at Newark Liberty Airport Terminal C, under an ambitious redevelopment programme. A new-look gate lounge and a “˜Dining Oasis’ featuring chef-led initiatives are among the early openings.
Designed by Rockwell Group, Caps Beer Garden and Proof Whiskey Bar are situated in the centre of Terminal C’s long hallways, transforming what were once moving walkways into what the master concessionaire OTG calls ‘Dining Oases’.
Caps Beer Garden’s menu was developed with “˜Top Chef’ Dale Talde and features Asian-American inspired bar bites and entrees including buffalo chicken bao buns, cheddarwurst melt, crispy duck salad, and handmade sushi platters and rolls.
Its design was inspired by traditional German beer gardens and casual Japanese Izakaya joints, featuring a bar with panels made from 50,000 bottle caps and a 170-foot awning overhead.
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Caps Beer Garden (above and below) is one element in OTG’s first ‘Dining Oasis’; the menu was developed with “˜Top Chef’ Dale Talde and features Asian-American food |
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Proof Whiskey Bar was developed with Chef John DeLucie of New York City’s The Lion, and features a tavern-inspired menu created to complement the 100+ variations of whiskey offered. Highlights include tuna tartare, a turkey burger with Rupert cheese and cranberry compote, a pork chop with cauliflower and apple mustard, and a 12 oz New York strip.
Designed to resemble a classic New York hotel bar, it features a ribbon-like shade structure threaded throughout.
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Proof Whiskey Bar is designed to resemble a classic New York hotel bar, with a ribbon-like shade structure running through it; it offers over 100 whiskey brands |
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Transforming the terminal’s traditional gate and boarding area, the newly designed and tech-enhanced Gate Lounge features a fully connected environment. With access to 100+ power and USB ports and over 60 iPads, guests can charge their devices while connecting to real-time flight notifications, intuitive visual food & drinks menus and web access courtesy of OTG’s flo technology.
The Gate Lounge houses a living room area with lounge tables and seating, communal areas with work stations and traditional-style seating with cup holders. Vertical elements with display screens have been included which will feature artwork from local artists and galleries.
“United’s customers traveling through Newark Liberty enjoy the largest selection of flights and destinations and, with the continued upgrades to our gate areas and dining choices, the best airport experience as well,” said United’s Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Kate Gebo. “The remodelling of United’s facilities will better ensure customers are comfortable, connected, informed and in control throughout their airport experience.”
“The opening of the first permanent dining concepts at Newark’s Terminal C represent a significant milestone in the passenger experience,” said OTG CEO Rick Blatstein. “They are part of a US$120 million transformation currently underway at the terminal that, when complete, will fundamentally change how guests respond to and perceive the airport experience. By tying in local chefs, commissioning renowned designers and artists, and integrating the latest technology, The United Experience at Newark Liberty welcomes the next dimension of airport travel.”
OTG’s flo technology enables guests to scan their boarding pass and track their flight, order food and drink in over 20 languages from an intuitive visual menu, and in an industry first, use MileagePlus award miles to purchase dining and retail amenities.
Upon completion, United’s Terminal C at Newark Liberty will feature 38 upgraded gate lounge areas and six “˜Dining Oases’ from additional chefs including Mario Carbone, Kevin Pemoulie and Josh Capon, as well as 6,000-plus iPads and over 12,000 power and USB ports.
Note: OTG CEO Rick Blatstein is one of a number of industry thought leaders who will speak at next month’s Trinity Forum in Hong Kong, co-organised by The Moodie Report, ACI and ACI Asia Pacific. Click here for more details on the programme and on how to register.
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The gate lounge offers access in each seat to power and USB ports and iPads that can be used to browse menus and flight information |
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