Among the new options will be recognised local brands such as BurgerFuel, and international favourite Starbucks, which is owned and operated by Tahua Group in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Other new entrants with international cuisines include fresh pastas and pizza from Needo, Japanese from TJ Katsu, Korean from Haha Chicken and Vietnamese from Roll\u2019d.<\/p>\n
There will be three new cafe and dining concepts celebrating New Zealand coffee and hospitality culture, including Auckland Coffee Exports, The Local and NZ Pie Co & Croissant Lab.<\/p>\n
Wondertree cafe is also being replaced, with the cafe\u2019s operator rebranding the site to Fernery Eatery & Bar.<\/p>\n
Auckland Airport\u2019s head of retail, Lucy Thomas, said the focus was on improving the dining experience for customers as a core travel experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re bringing together a mix of New Zealand operators and brands, experienced airport food and beverage partners and recognised international names to give travellers more choice before they fly,\u201d Thomas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve worked hard to create a food and beverage offering that gives people a reason to head through security a little earlier and start their journey well. We know great food and beverage helps create a sense of place, and we\u2019ve carefully curated an offering that reflects the diverse needs of travellers moving through the airport every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starbucks New Zealand, owned and operated by Tahua Group, will bring exclusive merchandise and a locally relevant menu offering to Auckland Airport.<\/p>\n
The new entrants will sit alongside six existing food and beverage offers, with Al Brown\u2019s Best Ugly Bagels and Vantage Bar & Kitchen both being refurbished, and Soul Origin remaining as is.<\/p>\n
Al Brown\u2019s team are set to step in to directly manage its Auckland Airport site as one of their flagship stores, strengthening the influence behind it.<\/p>\n
Change is also coming for the landside dining environment located before security, with Oma\u2019s Bakery and Blue Marble Bar to be updated with a new layout, new look, menu and name \u2013 The Social.<\/p>\n
No changes have been announced for KFC or McDonald\u2019s landside and airside operations.<\/p>\n
An Auckland Airport spokeswoman confirmed one operator\u2019s food and beverage licence had come to an end, although it would continue to operate its retail sites at the airport.<\/p>\n
Auckland Airport chief commercial officer Mark Thomson told the Herald in June that the redevelopment work had been planned in stages so food options would remain available for travellers, with the intent of delivering a food court that is \u201cfit for purpose for the years ahead\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know they want more variety, food options that work for the whole family, and spaces that feel good to be in. So that\u2019s what we\u2019re focused on, making sure the time travellers spend airside before their flight is something they can look forward to and enjoy,\u201d Thomson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe departures area beyond security will look a little different for a while as the refresh is undertaken. We will have a set of temporary walls put in place around areas in progress, although there will be plenty of other areas to still hang out, eat and enjoy; it will be business as usual.\u201d<\/p>\n