Sea-Tac's "Africa Lounge" Recognized as Most Innovative Airport Restaurant in US

-"A warm, relaxing oasis amid the hustle of the airport's Concourse A"-

Airports Council International, the nation's leading association of airport managers, has named the Africa Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as the most innovative restaurant concept in any US airport for 2005.

The annual Richard A. Griesbach Excellence in Airport Concessions winners were announced at the ACI's recent conference in San Francisco.

"We are so pleased that one of our valued tenants earned this award," said Port of Seattle Commission President Patricia Davis. "We've worked very hard to select concessionaires that provide products that travelers will find appealing. We're pleased the ACI judges valued our result."

The Africa Lounge is intended to be a warm, relaxing oasis amid the hustle of Sea-Tac's Concourse A. While stainless steel dominates the concourse itself, warm woods, leathers, imitation fur and brass prevail at the Africa Lounge.

"It's quite an honor to receive this award after little more than a year in operation," said owner Jerry Whitsett of the SeaTac Bar Group. "But beyond the creative aspects, we believe that the success of our business really rests on our ability to deliver excellent customer service."

Whitsett added, "Additionally, we felt strongly that we should feature and help promote local microbrews."

The Africa Lounge contributes to the wealth of art in Concourse A. Whitsett notes his staff especially enjoys the conversations that develop when customers see the Lounge's very abstract elephant head sculpture for the first time.

ACI judges said they found the concept extremely unique and original. They report also being impressed by the lounge's substantial revenue growth.