One of the airport's new Dunkin' Donuts spots. (Credit: PHB)
Beirut International Airport is currently upgrading its restaurants and cafés, signaling the end of an era. Cafematik and Balkoumi, the airport’s historic caterers, recently announced their closure, bringing an end to their 18 years of service which had been criticized by travelers for being overpriced.
The change in restaurants comes as a result of the new contract with Nevada S.A.L., a subsidiary of the Lancaster Hotel and Suites group.
Nevada S.A.L. emerged as the successful bidder in the tender launched by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, granting it the rights to operate the catering facilities at Beirut Airport and replacing the Lebanese Beirut Airport Catering Company (LBACC).
The contract duration spans four years and Nevada S.A.L. secured the win with an annual investment of $3.45 million, including VAT.
In comparison, LBACC proposed an annual investment of approximately $977,000. The minimum amount specified in the requirements was set at $700,000. The discrepancy between the bids was considered substantial, according to an informed source at the Central Inspection Department, who spoke to L’Orient-Le Jour on condition of anonymity.
The renovation process means new establishments, among them Dunkin' Donuts.
Dunkin’ Lebanon has successfully launched its first outlets at the airport, including one located in the arrivals section and another in the departures section. Additionally, the popular Lebanese restaurant chain Zaatar w Zeit, has also established its presence at the airport.
Several other restaurants have partnered with Nevada S.A.L. to diversify the culinary offerings at the airport.
One of these additions is Mon Maki à Moi, a Lebanese sushi restaurant chain that has replaced the upscale Salt restaurant overlooking the tarmac.
Malak Taouk, a Lebanese fast food chain specialized in chicken sandwiches, has opened a location in the departure hall, easily accessible to visitors.
The Al-Agha restaurant and snack bar, renowned for its Lebanese cuisine, has been situated in the Duty-Free area of the airport, providing travelers with a taste of local flavors.
Bilal Arnaout, Managing Director of the Lancaster Group, has confirmed that discussions are underway with other franchises to join AIB in the near future. This includes well-known American fast-food chain McDonald’s and the renowned French bakery chain, Paul.
Nevada S.A.L. is ready to employ the former staff members of the previous catering company, LBACC, with whom they shared the previous contract. LBACC will continue to oversee the management of the Lounge area at Beirut’s airport, while Nevada S.A.L. will manage all investment and operating costs for the new restaurants.
The renewal of the airport’s restaurants is a part of efforts to revitalize the airport and improve the comfort of travelers passing through Beirut. With the addition of establishments like Dunkin’ Donuts and Zaatar w Zeit, and with others to come, passengers will have a wider range of food choices when traveling to and from Beirut, said Arnaout.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour. Translation by Sahar Ghoussoub.