Thanks to its Farmers Market @LAX concept at the Los Angeles International Airport, Delaware North’s travel hospitality business took home the Best New Specialty Retail Concept award at last week’s Airport 
Revenue News Conference in San Diego.
The offshoot location at the airport marked the first time in the 80-year history of the iconic Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax that the owners agreed to open a second location.
“Our business development team had extraordinary vision to take this complex, iconic business, the Original Farmers Market, and transform it into a one-of-a-kind airport experience for visitors and locals traveling through LAX,” said Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North’s travel hospitality business, who is pictured at right accepting the award. “This is one of many examples of how Delaware North’s travel hospitality team elevates the level of retail and food adventures for airports and travelers.”
This was a vision that began in 2010, when Delaware North business development executive Vito Buscemi and Director of Brands Cindy Martin met with the Original Farmers Market team. Martin spent the next two-and-a-half years developing, laying out floor plans, sourcing vendors, negotiating and bringing the concept to life.
Since opening in 2014, the Farmers Market @LAX – under the direction of Delaware North Regional Director Jeffrey Friedman, General Manager Kurt Clausen and their respective teams – has received rave reviews from airport officials, travelers and media.