TAMPA, Fla. – Ready to enjoy a freshly brewed, limited-edition craft beer from Tampa’s renowned Cigar City Brewing before your next flight at Tampa International Airport? Well, the gateway to Florida’s west coast now offers this exclusive experience in Airside C at Cigar City Brewing, operated by global restaurateur HMSHost in partnership with Tinsley-Bridgeman. Cigar City Brewing is the only true ‘brewpub’ in a North American airport with its centerpiece exhibition brewing facility. It was recently remodeled and now features two bars and an expanded menu. A grand opening was held today celebrating the opening of Cigar City Brewing and HMSHost’s second Burger 21 restaurant in the airport, also in Airside C.
“Tampa has an amazing craft brewing history and a vibrant food and beverage scene. Along with our partner Tinsley-Bridgeman, we are thrilled to add more local flavors representing the best the region offers like Cigar City and Burger 21 into Tampa International Airport,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Michael Price.
HMSHost and Cigar City Brewing were the first to bring an on-site brewing operation and combined restaurant into a North American airport in 2013, launching the trend of bringing local craft beer concepts into airports. Cigar City Brewing in Airside C reopened in the same location as before, but with a larger footprint and enhanced offerings to meet travelers’ desires. Guests get the vibe of downtown factory conversion al fresco dining with new bar seating behind a large garage-door. There is a larger kitchen that offers an expanded menu with items like the brewhouse burger and a chimichurri steak main course, as well as a more prominent to-go area for travelers to enjoy food and drinks on the move.
“We’re pleased to welcome the latest Burger 21, Stellar Bay News and Terminal Getaway Spa locations, as well a completely redeveloped Cigar City Brewing, which we know will remain popular with our guests for years to come,” said TPA Vice President of Concessions Laurie Noyes. “These brands and concepts truly reflect the spirit of Tampa Bay through flavors, brews, products and relaxation services that we hope will leave an impression on our visitors coming and going.”
The brewing operation brings a new “cool-factor” to the airport too. This Cigar City Brewing location showcases a three-barrel system surrounded by glass windows at the front of the restaurant so travelers can watch the beer making process. HMSHost works with a Cigar City Brewing brewer to oversee airport beer production, with a special batch generated every month that only airport guests have the opportunity to enjoy.
Six signature Cigar City beers are available on draught at any given time including Jai Alai, Maduro Brown Ale, Invasion Pale Ale, Florida Cracker, Tampa Lager, and a rotation between a seasonal nitro tap and the monthly house-made brew. For loyal customers and beer enthusiasts wondering, the Tony Jannus Pale Ale is available on draft. This special Cigar City brew, named for the legendary Tampa aviator Antony “Tony” Jannus, is only available at the airport or the actual brewery in Tampa, making it one to definitely check-off the list of rare brews to try. Cigar City cans are available too, including Tocobaga Red Ale.
HMSHost also opened the Cigar City Taproom in 2017, located in Airside F, to further expand this local award-winning craft brewing experience to more travelers in other parts of the airport.
Burger 21 is a Tampa born gourmet burger joint. Burger 21’s loyal following is built on serving handcrafted beef, ahi tuna, and black bean “burgers” alongside famous milkshake with unique flavors ranging from Crème Brulee to Ybor City Double Espresso – tempting treats for flyers on the move looking to indulge. Burger 21’s new location in Airside C is the second location in Tampa International Airport. HMSHost opened the first in Airside A in 2017.
Additional upcoming HMSHost enhancements at Tampa International Airport include a Beach Market grab-and-go kiosk in the airport’s new rental car facility, as well as the addition of an outdoor patio seating at the pre-security P.F. Chang’s. A list of HMSHost-operated locations at Tampa International Airport is available on the HMSHost location finder map.
HMSHost Leading the Industry
HMSHost is recognized by the industry as the top provider of travel dining with awards such as 2018 Best Overall Food & Beverage Operator (for the eleventh consecutive year) by Airport Revenue News. USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards recognized HMSHost’s Summer House Santa Monica at Chicago O’Hare International Airport as Best Airport Bar / Restaurant Atmosphere. HMSHost is a leader in sustainability practices which include plans
to eliminate conventional plastic straw use by 2020. The company also creates original award-winning events like Airport Restaurant Month, Channel Your Inner Chef live culinary contest, and the Adrian Awards Gold-winning campaigns, #HMSHostLove and Eat Well. Travel Further.
About HMSHost
Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 120 airports around the globe and at more than 100 travel plazas in North America. The company has annual sales of nearly $3.3 billion and employs more than 41,000 associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage services for people on the move. With sales of €4.6 billion in 2017, the group operates in 31 countries and employs over 58,000 people. It manages approximately 4,000 stores in about 1,000 locations worldwide. Visit HMSHost.com for more information and connect with HMSHost on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.