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New shops, eatery with Buffalo flair unveiled at airport

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport unveiled $3.8 million in upgrades completed by Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services. The three new additions include convenience stores, a high-end retail store and a new restaurant.

The new eatery is called Queen City Kitchen. It features a full-service bar with locally brewed craft beers

Credit Ashley Hirtzel / WBFO
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WBFO
Queen City Kitchen is among the new amenities offered at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

and gourmet twists on some Buffalo staple foods, such as prime-rib on weck and Buffalo chicken flatbread. The new retail store is called 5th & Main. It provides affordable luxury brands, including Ray Ban, Vera Bradley and Pandora.

The convince store, Jet Set market has two locations at each end of the airport. The shops feature Buffalo and Canadian themed-merchandise, books and snacks on-the-go.

Delaware North General Manager Rich Johnson says the renovation focused on brining traveler’s high-quality places to shop and fresh food.

“There’s really a renaissance going on in Buffalo with all that’s going on downtown with Harbor Center and all the new facilities. More and more people are coming to Buffalo. People are starting to travel into Buffalo that maybe haven’t been here before. We started to realize the fact that we have an obligation to the community to be an ambassador for Buffalo and to present a quality image that lets people know they made the right choice in coming to Buffalo,” said Johnson.

Blaine Van Pletzen-Rands  says the new renovations add to the overall travel experience. He says Queen City Kitchen is his new favorite eatery in the airport.

“It’s upbeat and comfortable. You’re allowed to have as much privacy as you’d like. It’s always great to interact with other travelers as well. We come here, because it’s one of the friendliest places at the airport,” said Van Pletzen-Rands.

The renovation project began in November 2013 and took roughly four months to complete. Johnson says he believes the upgrades will give travelers a reason to arrive at the airport earlier and spend more time there.