Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) was recognized as the “Airport with the Best Overall Program (Large Airport Division)” and Bud & Marilyn’s, part of PHL Food & Shops—the award-winning concessions program at PHL — was honored as “Best Local-Inspired Restaurant” and “Best New Restaurant” at the Airport Experience Awards. The Airport Experience Awards honor the industry’s most innovative and effective airports, operators and brands. Winners were announced on the final day of the 2020 Airport Experience Conference in Denver.
The Airport with the Best Overall Program award recognizes the airport that excels in providing an array of options in their food, retail, and services program that satisfies the needs and tastes of travelers. The PHL Food & Shops portfolio offers more than 170 shops, eateries and services and features local Philly favorites, as well as regional and national brands.
“PHL Food & Shops is proud to operate within Philadelphia International Airport, the winner of the 2019 Airport Excellence Award for best overall program,” said Mel Hannah, Vice President and General Manager of MarketPlace PHL. “Our concessionaires strive to deliver the best customer experiences day in and day out and it’s an honor to be a part of an award-winning airport program.”
Bud & Marilyn’s, located in Concourse C and known for its American-inspired menu and signature comfort foods such as Fried Chicken N’ Waffles, My Way, Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup and the Truffled Asparagus Grilled Cheese, opened at PHL in September 2019 and was nominated for three Airport Excellence Awards: Best Restaurant Design, Best Local-Inspired Restaurant and Best New Restaurant.
The Best Local-Inspired Restaurant award honors a restaurant with a menu inspired by a notable chef and/or the tastes and cuisines of a region. The Best New Restaurant Award recognizes a brand new restaurant concept that is the first of its kind in any airport. Chef Marcie Turney and partner Valerie Safran are the pioneering entrepreneurs whose 11 restaurants, including Bud and Marilyn’s, and boutiques on 13th Street in Philadelphia have helped transform the once desolate neighborhood into trendy Midtown Village. While Chef Turney created Bud and Marilyn's as an ode to her family roots, she has been able to re-invent many of her dishes with the addition of ingredients made in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. Bud & Marilyn's at PHL is operated in partnership with Areas G2G PHL JV,LLC, a joint venture of food and beverage and retail services in the travel industry. The restaurant offers travelers an elevated approach to dining in the airport setting and is open daily from 5:15 a.m. to 10:20 p.m.
“PHL Food & Shops is proud to have Bud and Marilyn's, the winner of Best Local-Inspired Restaurant and Best New Restaurant, among its expansive restaurant offerings at PHL,” said Hannah. “Our program strives to deliver the best customer experiences day in and day out and it’s an honor for Bud & Marilyn’s to be recognized.”
For more information about MarketPlace PHL and its award-winning customer service program, please visit PhilaMarketplace.com.
ABOUT MARKETPLACE PHL, LLC
MarketPlace PHL, LLC, is the private partner with the City of Philadelphia in the management of the food and retail programs throughout Philadelphia International Airport. The award-winning program offers more than 170+ shops, restaurants and services. The MarketPlace PHL portfolio features local Philly favorites, as well as regional and national brands. MarketPlace PHL, LLC, is a partnership between MarketPlace Development, a Boston-based airport retail development firm, and LeJeune & Associates, a Philadelphia-based retail development, management and consulting firm. For more information, visit PhilaMarketplace.com.
