Port of Seattle Wants Local Shops and Restaurants at Sea-Tac Airport

Interested Vendor Meeting Scheduled Feb. 27

The Port of Seattle is seeking 10 local retailers and restaurateurs to operate Northwest-oriented businesses in the airport. The new leases will be for pivotal locations in the airport's new Pacific Marketplace, slated to open in early 2005.

"We really want Sea-Tac to have a flavor of the northwest," said Patricia Davis, Chair of the Port of Seattle Commission. "We will certainly have the traditional large airport vendors that you see in many cities. But we also want to have a mix of locally owned businesses.

"We think this will be good for the airport and good for the local economy," she said.

Vendors can be large or small. The Port will hold a public meeting to inform potential vendors about their opportunities at the airport. The meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, with a deadline for final proposals due March 13.

"What we want to see is a solid business plan," said Gina Marie Lindsey, managing director of Sea-Tac Airport. "Tell us why you think your business will be successful in an airport environment."

Lindsey said the major concepts being encouraged are:

Food and Beverage

Local/Regional Fast Food, National Brand Fast Food with local franchisee, Local/Regional Food Specialties, and Ethnic Specialties

Retail

Bookstores, Pacific Northwest specialties, Cosmetics/Personal Care, Specialty Gifts, and Branded Clothing

There will be a strong emphasis on participation by disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). Operators will have the opportunity to apply for one or more locations.

Interested entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to attend the Feb. 27 informational meeting. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. in the Airport Auditorium.

The airport's renovated Central Terminal will include the new Pacific Marketplace together with stunning views of the runways and the Olympic Mountains beyond. Part of the Port of Seattle's multi-year capital improvement project designed to provide a world-class experience for travelers and visitors, the concessions will include distinctive local and regional stores and restaurants.

MarketPlace Development, a nationally respected airport retail developer and manager, is working with Port of Seattle staff to coordinate the tenant outreach and leasing process. For additional information about these 10 opportunities, the public meeting, or the application process, please contact Deborah Black at MarketPlace Development at 617-350-4080 extension 229 or at dblack@marketplacedev.com.