Operators at New AIRMALL® Putting out the “Help Wanted” Sign
CLEVELAND, June 11, 2009 – The ongoing transformation of retail, food, and beverage concessions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is generating a growing number of employment opportunities for Cleveland-area residents. BAA Cleveland, developer of the new AIRMALL® at CLE, is working closely with a host of local, regional, and national concessions operators who will open units at CLE and seek to hire and train new staff members.
“At a time when the conversation is dominated by downsizing and contraction elsewhere, BAA Cleveland is proud to hang the ‘Help Wanted’ sign on the front door of the airport,” noted Mark Knight, president of BAA Cleveland. “From full-service restaurants and bars to fast-casual offerings and top-notch retail units, the biggest brands from across the nation and around the region will have a presence at the new AIRMALL® at CLE. These new units are beginning the hiring and training process even before their storefronts open. That means there are jobs available now at the airport.”
In total, nearly 125 positions are currently available. The following operators are recruiting for open positions (full-time and part-time):
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
- Bruegger’s
- Great Lakes Brewing Company
- Hudson News
- I-Tech X-Perience
- Panini’s Bar & Grill
- Taxco Sterling
- Travelex
- Villa Italian Kitchen
PremAir Hospitality Group, LLC, a concessions operator that will play a significant role in developing permanent units at the new AIRMALL® at CLE, has also been appointed by BAA Cleveland as operators of the interim concessions during the transition phase of the project. PremAir is encouraging employees at the interim units to apply for permanent positions while construction and transformation continues.
“PremAir has forged an agreement with BAA Cleveland as our employees begin evaluating the opportunities that are becoming available,” said Robert Calderin, president & COO. “Our current employees will receive preferred status when they apply for the permanent positions. Their resumes and applications will go to the top of the pile.”
“We are looking for motivated, customer-friendly people to staff the concessions at the new AIRMALL® at CLE, a development project that will dramatically enhance the passenger experience,” added Knight. “Part of the formula is ‘Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed,’ which means people get quality products and services for a fair price. One of the other key components to the program is hiring employees who understand the importance of customer service.”
Individuals interested in securing employment with the new AIRMALL® at CLE can begin the process by visiting www.airmall.com and submitting an online application. For more information, call BAA Cleveland at 1-800-ITS-FAIR.
In 2008, the City of Cleveland commissioned BAA Cleveland to manage concessions at CLE. The city anticipates the new AIRMALL® will double the current participation rate of local and minority-owned companies, double the number of concession jobs, and double retail sales figures during the next decade.
When complete, the AIRMALL® at CLE will occupy 76,000 square feet of retail space.