Memphis International Airport gets props for tasty eats
By Wayne Risher
Photo by Mike Brown
Memphis International Airport has landed among the country's top five airports for fancy fast food. Jaunted, a website affiliated with Condé Nast Traveler magazine, heaped praises on a leading purveyor of Memphis barbecue like smoky sauce on a pile of pulled pork. "...if you're stuck with a connection and an empty belly, there's no better place to turn than Interstate Bar-B-Que within the Concourse B Rotunda at Memphis International Airport," the blog said. "Ribs, brisket, and pork shoulder are just some of the smoky, saucy treats available to enjoy. Make sure you have a decent layover before digging in, because this is a place best enjoyed at a table within the terminal rather than a tray table within the plane," it added.
Also making the cut: Los Angeles International Airport, gourmet hotdogs; Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Texas barbecue and barbecue tacos; Washington Dulles and Reagan airports, Five Guys Burgers and Fries; and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chick-fil-A. Memphis and Shelby County Airport Authority officials shrugged off the favorable review. Vice president of properties and business development Richard White said, "I'm not surprised. We've won several awards."
The most prestigious was a Griesbach Award of Excellence in 2006 from the Airports Council International for top-notch food and beverage concessions and specialty shops.
Interstate owner Jim Neely opened a 190-square-foot outpost near Gate B17 in 1998 and rang up sales of $1 million the first year, White said. Neely later opened the larger outlet in the B rotunda food court. "We're really proud of what he does here," White said. Travelers have been known to book connections through Memphis just to eat at Interstate. "There's no question about it," White said. "There are people who come through here looking for Interstate, because they've seen them on the food programs on TV." Other local favorites among 29 food concessions include Back Yard Burgers, Lenny's Sub Shop, Corky's, Grisanti's Bol A Pasta and Popeyes. White said officials are working on more health-conscious alternatives. Airport Authority president and CEO Larry Cox, who is marking his 25th year at the airport this year, said portion control is key to staying fit with so many temptations nearby. "Eat great tasting food but control how much you eat!"