New Restaurants & Retail Coming to Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Dec. 23, 2016

In a city that holds the title Beer City, U.S.A; it is only appropriate that new construction at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) include a restaurant featuring beer from Grand Rapids’ largest brewery, along with other new restaurant and retail space.

HMSHost, in partnership with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, have signed an agreement that will put new restaurants front and center as a part of the airport’s Gateway Transformation Project.  In addition, Hudson Group will be opening a marketplace with Michigan-themed retail offerings post-security.

Prospect Hill Brewhouse will be located post-security in the newly expanded area of the airport. The restaurant will feature a selection of beverages including Founders beer, and a menu of handcrafted deli sandwiches like the Buffalo-style roasted chicken, bacon and tomato conglomeration served on a French roll; a cheesesteak featuring provolone cheese and roasted peppers; and a pulled pork sandwich with, Colby jack cheese, and Dirty Bastard BBQ sauce on a toasted ciabatta.

 “Our passengers were craving more options for food and beverage post-security, and this partnership with HMSHost will accomplish just that,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Acting President & CEO Phil Johnson.  “We are excited to have a local flair in our restaurant scene, and what better way to own up to our title of Beer City, U.S.A. than adding the Prospect Hill Brewhouse right here in the airport?”

In addition to the Brewhouse, HMSHost will open two new Starbucks – one pre-security and one post-security, a restaurant called The Local @ GRR on Concourse A, as well as another casual dining restaurant on Concourse B. A Burger Federation restaurant along with a Firehouse Subs is also in the works at GFIA.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue partnering with Gerald R. Ford International Airport. It is very exciting for HMSHost to be able to contribute to the many great enhancements happening at the airport,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Bryan Loden. “The restaurants we will be opening will deliver an authentic taste of Michigan and will offer the variety and quality that travelers demand.”

Prospect Hill Brewhouse is set to open in summer 2017, with the other HMSHost offerings opening soon after.

Retail space in the new Gateway Transformation Project includes a Touch of Grand Rapids store featuring West Michigan themed products and in partnership with the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Additionally, Grand Rapids Magazine Travel Stores will be located on each concourse, and a Hudson News retail store will be located pre-security in the grand hall. These stores will offer travel essentials ranging from reading materials, snacks, and beverages to travel and convenience necessities, tasteful local souvenirs, and electronics.

As 'The Traveler's Best Friend,' our goal was to create a more open, friendly and welcoming environment for travelers with the newly designed store at Gerald R. Ford International Airport to give the West Michigan community a sense of place," said Hudson Group Senior Vice President of Operations Mario Scorcia. "Hudson is the #1 travel retail concept in some of the busiest airports across North America – and now around the world.  It is a true game-changer in the travel retail industry and we could not be more excited to bring our global expertise to Grand Rapids.