It’s no secret that New Orleans is a foodie town and its visitors plan vacations around where to eat and drink. People coming to New Orleans can now add restaurants at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to those lists. New dining options include 15 leading restaurants, many from New Orleans’ finest chefs, brought to the airport by global restaurateur HMSHost and local partners Henry L. Coaxum Jr. of Coaxum Enterprises, Cheri Ausberry of Kaleidoscope Strategies, and Lucky Dogs. Guests this week will be among the first to indulge in this plethora of new restaurants that are bringing dining at MSY to a ‘New Orleans’ level of deliciousness.
“Serving people in New Orleans is a milestone for HMSHost and we’re eager to show our industry-leading hospitality service to all who visit the new terminal and dine with us,” said HMSHost Executive Vice President of Business Development Derryl Benton. “We are honored to work with many prestigious local chefs and brands to bring this authentic NOLA experience to MSY and want to thank the City of New Orleans, the New Orleans Aviation Board, our partners and team for enabling us to establish this remarkable new operation.”
“This world-class, state-of-the art airport is the newest jewel in the crown New Orleans has earned as a top tourist and hospitality destination,” said Coaxum. “We are thrilled to be part of this historic, transformative event that is sure to draw even more visitors to our region.”
HMSHost and these partners are giving culinary life to the North Terminal by featuring restaurants with local roots to reflect the city’s well-known culinary arts and beverage culture. In addition to a diverse group of local flavors, guests can also select from several beloved national restaurants. Here is an overview of HMSHost’s new locations at MSY:
Emeril's Table is celebrity chef and restauranteur Emeril Lagasse’s first venture into airports and it is the choice for dining in style at MSY. The restaurant’s contemporary interior is marked by a large open kitchen, a 360 degree full service bar and a food Bar; a signature of Emeril’s Restaurants where guests can get a front row seat to the kitchen action. The food menu showcases a little bit of everything Chef Emeril has to offer at his New Orleans restaurants. Complementing the food is a beverage program with over 10 draft beers, a robust wine portfolio and a list of both classic and creative cocktails.
Cure comes from the acclaimed and award winning CureCo. bar and restaurant group. Cure opened in 2009 on Freret Street and is largely credited with pioneering the craft cocktail movement in New Orleans. A decade later, Cure is a New Orleans mainstay that continues to champion classic cocktails and thoughtful riffs on tried and true standbys. In 2018, Cure received the coveted award for “Outstanding Bar Program,” from the James Beard Foundation.
Mondo was created by Susan Spicer, the multi-award winning chef including the James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef: Southeast Region and owner of the Bayona and Rosedale restaurants in New Orleans. Her recipes will carry on in the new MSY, giving travelers an exclusive and authentic NOLA experience with worldly flavors that speak to the city’s renowned culinary culture.
The Munch Factory has been cited as one of the best examples of next-generation Creole cooking in New Orleans. Chef Jordan Ruiz, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and his wife, Alexis, will offer fresh creations such as bayou nachos, mango chicken salad, and a 'Voodoo Burger'.
Lucky Dogs (2 locations) is a fabled French Quarter gem of a hot dog cart from brothers and owners Kirk and Mark Talbot that is a must-eat destination to experience New Orleans. Both Lucky Dogs locations are operated by Lucky Dogs under a sublease agreement.
Shake Shack is a critically-acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, griddled flat-top dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever), spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle-cut fries, and more.
The Great American Bagel & Panini is a unique restaurant with a warm and relaxed atmosphere for MSY Airport. The concept is designed to achieve efficient service without compromising quality and the menu has something for everyone from bagels and egg sandwiches, to salads, hot paninis, and Grab N’Go deli sandwiches for the traveler in a hurry. For those with a sweet tooth, The Great American Bagel & Panini offers muffins, cookies, pastries and yogurt parfaits.
Chili's is a leader in the casual dining industry that brings together a spiced up mix of people, food and drink, and is well known for their big mouth burgers, full-on sizzling fajitas and hand-shaken margaritas.
Smoothie King features a smoothie and drink menu made just for you with countless combinations of fruits, veggies, and nutritional enhancers.
Panda Express is well known for its teriyaki chicken, egg rolls, fried rice and other Asian favorites.
Starbucks Coffee (3 locations) is the global leader in gourmet coffee, with inviting stores that provide a comforting place to refresh with one of their signature beverages, baked goods, sandwiches, and snacks– all the things that travelers crave.
Auntie Anne’s is the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise that mixes, twists, and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection all day long in full view of guests.
