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I VINI brings modern Italian market to Austin airport

New concept from Annies’ founder Love Nance offers fresh, made-to-order Italian specialties

BUFFALO, N.Y. and AUSTIN, Texas (August 3, 2017) Delaware North, one of the largest privately held hospitality and food service companies in the world, and Love Nance, local restaurateur and founder of locally renowned Annies Café & Bar and concept development company Paseo Brands, today formally announced the opening of I VINI, an elevated fast-casual Italian restaurant and market concept at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA).
 
Located in the airport’s west concourse (gates 21-25), I VINI is a sleek, 124-foot “modern Milan” Italian market featuring a curved wine bar, complete with an espresso area, a walk-up takeaway bar for beer and wine, a 30-foot prepared foods section and a seated table service area. Much of I VINI’s food preparation will be done out in the open, including fresh salumi platters prepared “while you watch” on a hand-cranked charcuterie slicer. Bruschetta boxes (designed for travelers to eat on an airplane), salads, pizzas, and Italian coffees and pastries will also be among the offerings. Additionally, I VINI will boast a wine list curated by Jeremy Cohen, who is a past recipient of the Best Wine List in America award.
 
“The recipes have all been simmering on the back of my stove for years,” said Nance, who also heads Paseo Brands, which created Farm Aire and the Annies Café & Bar at ABIA in partnership with Delaware North in 2013. “The menu is based on the fresh Italian street food from my many trips to Italy visiting my goddaughter. We were among the first to bring truly fresh food to an airport so we’re extending that approach to Italian.”
 
I VINI’s contemporary space was designed by Austin-area architects Dick Clark + Associates, who created the floating island configuration of the concept. The visual aesthetic was complemented by local designer Brett Stiles, who created the free-form, Calder-esque sculpture painted in abstract, vineyard-inspired motifs specifically for the I VINI brand.
 
“We jumped at the chance to collaborate again with Love,” said Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North’s travel division. “Annies and Farm Aire have been a tremendous success at ABIA and it’s a testament to her passion for quality food and fresh dining concepts. We know that travelers are going to love I VINI the same way they embraced the first-rate culinary experience at Annies.”
 
“I VINI will provide a new sit-down dining option for our Central Texas customers, and on the west end of the Barbara Jordan Terminal,” said Jim Smith, Executive Director, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
 
Delaware North first began operations at ABIA in 1999 and operates nearly 20 food, beverage and retail outlets throughout the airport.