Delaware North’s travel division was recognized last week with awards for its operation of The Salt Lick BBQ and Adventure North at an industry conference in Las Vegas.
The conference — hosted by Airport Experience News (AXN), the industry’s leading business publication — is the largest gathering of airport decision-makers and hospitality executives. The awards component of the conference recognizes excellence in the airport concessions segment.
The Salt Lick BBQ, a local favorite and mainstay at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, took home the award for Best Local-Inspired Restaurant. Delaware North reopened The Salt Lick in 2017 with a larger restaurant footprint and enhanced food offerings.
The new Salt Lick offers its classic barbeque favorites, including chopped brisket, smoked turkey, pulled pork and whole brisket sliced fresh at a carving station. The menu includes staples such as sandwiches and platters, as well as an array of new items that include Salt Lick’s famous ribs, nachos and shredded pork quesadillas. Guests can even ask for a “secret” menu item — a Texas-sized baked potato topped with brisket or smoked turkey.
In addition to more food offerings, the new Salt Lick has its own bar featuring Texas beers and wines to go. Retail items are also available at the location, including Salt Lick’s famous sauces, barbeque spice rubs, cookbooks and gift packs. Travelers can also purchase briskets that are frozen and packed in a thermal bag for easy transport.
Adventure North, an outdoor apparel store at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, was the winner in the Best New Retail category. The store offers an array of outdoor clothing and gear from major brands such as Patagonia, North Face and Prana. Beyond the awards, Delaware North played a highly visible role throughout AXN’s four-day conference, with Kevin Kelly, president of the travel division, taking part in a panel discussion alongside presidents from other major airport hospitality companies.
Delaware North was also a diamond-level sponsor of the conference, with company branding at the conference registration desk and on nametag lanyards for all attendees.