The Sacramento County Department of Airports is an essential resource to connect our region to the world. With a planned expansion of SMF infrastructure and amenities, they’ll have travelers excited about more than just their destination.
The $1.3 billion SMForward development project is well underway, set to improve SMF’s existing infrastructure to create additional capacity to meet the growing region. The project will add additional aircraft gates, a new pedestrian walkway, a new parking garage, a centralized ground transportation center, and an upgraded rental car center with electric options.
In July, the department released a public bid to fill 35,000 square feet of concessions space in both concourses to bolster the food and beverage options for everyone.
Culinary diversity will be added to the revitalized spaces to reflect the area’s identity as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. Airport Concessions Manager Andrew Durkee says this expansion will support small and disadvantaged businesses within the Sacramento region so travelers have a variety of restaurants to choose from. This diversity will cater to different budgets and preferences while offering options for those with special dietary needs.
“We are reinventing the building blocks of customer service and providing restaurants that reflect our community.” Andrew Durkee, Airport Concessions Manager
By partnering with the Sacramento Valley Small Business Development Center, hosting events in the community and bringing business owners and guest speakers to SMF, the RFP process is accessible to everyone, says Michael Gladwill, airport economic development specialist.
Renata Daher, senior airport economic development specialist, says the concessions team is committed to a “vibrant and inclusive concession landscape.”
“We are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity through the Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program,” she adds, noting that a target of 15 percent of businesses will be represented by ACDBE-certified firms, like minority- and women-owned businesses.
