Board approves John Wayne Airport concessions, supervisors praise small businesses
May 07, 2024 | Orange County, California
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The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a package of food, beverage and retail concession leases at John Wayne Airport on May 7, including awards to Host International Inc., Paradis Lagardere at SNA LLC and McDonald's USA LLC, among others. The board also authorized airport staff to execute amendments and make related CEQA findings.
Several small-business owners and industry representatives addressed the board in support of the recommendations. "Awarding contracts to these concessionaires will provide improved services to the flying public and additional revenue for the airport's urgent infrastructure and maintenance needs," said former Assemblymember Chris Norby, who said he represents one vendor. Owners of local restaurants, including the founders of Tacos La Pena and a representative from Chopin Bakery, described plans to hire locally and bring new options to travelers.
Supervisor comments praised airport director Charlene Reynolds and staff for assembling a diverse cross-section of small businesses and drew attention to a worker-retention policy included in the agreements: "It will ensure that existing workers are the first ones hired if there are any staffing adjustments to the new stores," a supervisor said.
Why it matters: The concession awards are expected to generate operating revenue for the airport (one proposal projected $3,000,000 annually from digital ad boards) and create opportunities for local restaurateurs. Supervisors underscored the economic development aspect and safeguards for incumbent workers.
Outcome: The board moved and approved the item by the required 4/5 vote and carried the matter unanimously in the recorded action on the dais.
Several small-business owners and industry representatives addressed the board in support of the recommendations. "Awarding contracts to these concessionaires will provide improved services to the flying public and additional revenue for the airport's urgent infrastructure and maintenance needs," said former Assemblymember Chris Norby, who said he represents one vendor. Owners of local restaurants, including the founders of Tacos La Pena and a representative from Chopin Bakery, described plans to hire locally and bring new options to travelers.
Supervisor comments praised airport director Charlene Reynolds and staff for assembling a diverse cross-section of small businesses and drew attention to a worker-retention policy included in the agreements: "It will ensure that existing workers are the first ones hired if there are any staffing adjustments to the new stores," a supervisor said.
Why it matters: The concession awards are expected to generate operating revenue for the airport (one proposal projected $3,000,000 annually from digital ad boards) and create opportunities for local restaurateurs. Supervisors underscored the economic development aspect and safeguards for incumbent workers.
Outcome: The board moved and approved the item by the required 4/5 vote and carried the matter unanimously in the recorded action on the dais.
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