Cafe/Business Center Opens at D/FW
By pairing a Starbucks and a business center, D/FW officials hope to create de facto cybercafes below the Skylink people-mover platforms in Terminals A, B, C and E.
"It is a fabulous concept that we believe will provide some amenities second to none," Kevin Cox, D/FW's chief operating officer, said at a quick ribbon-cutting.
All eight areas should be open by late spring, when Skylink opens, officials said. The project will cost $4.2 million, with D/FW kicking in $1.8 million and HMS Coffee Partners paying the rest, said concessionaire Gilbert Aranza, a partner in the venture.
The idea developed about three years ago, when airport officials noticed passengers searching for phone outlets or sitting on the floor recharging laptops, said Pat Gleason, D/FW's vice president for revenue management.
The Starbucks stores will be open about 16 hours each day. The business centers will be open 24 hours. They feature a large lounge area with leather seats, semiprivate workstations, closed-captioned TV, electrical and phone outlets, and high-speed Internet access via Wi-Fi or data port.
The concept seemed to be an immediate hit, with a long line forming at Starbucks and business travelers finding the lounge.
"We haven't even put up the sign yet," Gleason said.