By the end of September, passengers traveling through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), will be able to enjoy the offerings of more than 120 PHL Food & Shops concessions, with more re-openings and grand openings planned for the coming months. The atmosphere is a stark contrast to the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when just a handful of restaurants and shops were open in a few terminals.
“We’ve very excited to provide our guests with a variety of shopping and food options in every terminal,” said Megan O’Connell, marketing and customer service manager for Marketplace PHL. “And concessions are continuing to extend their hours of operation, providing passengers with places to shop and eat throughout the day.”
Most restaurants are open 45 minutes before the first departing flight and close 30 minutes after the last flight arrives. “SGR at the top of Terminal B offers self-service availability 24 hours a day and the Farmer’s Fridge vending machines in the A/B and C/D Connectors and E Baggage Claim features healthy fare like salads and wraps around the clock.”
At the beginning of the pandemic, restrictions and decreased passenger demand meant only merchants offering the basics- a coffee shop, a newsstand with travel essentials and restaurants with carry-out options- were open in each terminal- and with reduced hours based on limited flight schedules. Since then, the list of open shops and restaurants on the PHL.org/open web page has grown steadily each month.
“Some of the most recent re-openings are Spanx, Brighton and PGA Tour Shop in the B/C Connector,” said O’Connell. “As we approach the holiday season, we know we will have a good variety of stores open for guests picking up last minute gifts.”
O’Connell notes that, like most employers across the country, PHL Food & Shops merchants have faced hiring and supply chain challenges in recent months- some that have forced operators to change hours or delay their reopening. “Our merchants want to provide the best experience for our guests and have worked hard to resolve their staffing issues. Some still have great opportunities available, which are posted on the airport’s employment web page, phl.org/jobs,” said O’Connell.
In addition to more shopping and dining options at PHL, travelers can take advantage of expanded orderatphl.com delivery hours. Guests can now have food orders brought directly to their gate from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. “This service has been overwhelmingly popular since we launched the program last fall,” said O’Connell. “Based on customer and merchant feedback, we decided to offer the delivery option to meet the needs of passengers waiting for early or late afternoon flights. We are also working to bring more merchants on the program.” Guests can visit orderatphl.org for details and a list of participating merchants.
