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With New Offerings At TIA, 'You Can Come Out To Eat Or Shop'

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: December 12, 2008

Updated: 12/12/2008 12:23 am

TAMPA - If you're looking for a new place for a meal, or maybe a shop to buy a leather motorcycle jacket, you might try Tampa International Airport.

Tampa International on Thursday celebrated the grand opening of the first Carrabba's Italian Grill at a U.S. airport, capping a spate of new shops and restaurants this year to enhance passengers' and visitors' pleasure, and airport revenue.

"With our free one-hour parking, you can just come out here to eat or shop," airport director Louis Miller said.

Thanks to its aggressive concessions, the airport gets $3 in revenue from retail and parking fees for every $1 from airlines. That keeps TIA competitive for retaining and gaining flights by airlines pleased with low operating costs.

TIA may be the nation's pre-eminent airport for dining and shopping, said Elie Maalouf, president and chief executive officer of HMSHost, which operates airport concessions.

NEW THIS YEAR

Baja Fresh: Mexican grill

Brioche Doree: European coffee and pastries

Brookstone: Tech-oriented merchandise

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Destination Time: Watches

Harley-Davidson: Motorcycle-oriented merchandise

InMotion Entertainment* (also in main terminal): Music, games

Port Of Call: Tommy Bahama/Vera Bradley merchandise

Sam Snead's Tavern*

Talie: Giftware

United Colors of Benetton: Clothing

*Note: These locations are airside, which requires an airline ticket.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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