Tampa International modernizing and adding restaurants, retail

Tampa International Airport will add local fare and flair to its restaurant and retail options among enhancements expected to add $1.3 million in annual revenue this fiscal year, officials announced Thursday.

While the aviation authority board continues to emphasize the airport's regional economic role, Joe Lopano in his first year as airport director has continued to pursue terminal improvements to maintain the airport's world class reputation among travelers.

Airport officials revealed renderings of a $30 million main terminal update announced earlier this year that will modernize wall finishings, signage, restrooms and flooring, some of which date 40 years to the terminal's opening.

Some of the modernization, including half of the restroom upgrades, will be completed before the Republican National Convention convenes in Tampa in August.

On the economic end, familiar local brands including Mise En Place, the Columbia Café, Cigar City Brewing and the Green Iguana will join national brands in the main and airside terminals, said director of airport concessions Bhavesh Patel.

Most of the additions and improvements will be ready by the end of January, with others completed by March.

Legoland tickets and products will be sold at the Mindworks Toys store, a Shula Burger outlet will be added to Airside C, used by Southwest Airlines and Air Tran Airways.

The main terminal will gain five new or enhanced retail and restaurant outlets, while another 21 will be created in the airside terminals, where passengers board and depart from the planes.

Patel, who was recruited this summer from San Diego's aviation authority, said the revised fiscal 2012 concession revenue estimate would increase to $17.4 million from food and beverage, retail, duty free shop and Clear Channel Advertising enhancements.

Long term initiatives could include spa and manicure services, more automated retail vending and advertising on security bins, which could generate an annual total of up to $550,000 revenue.

Lopano had set revenue enhancement from concessions as a key element to improve profits, money that in turn can be used to recruit additional airline service and for other improvements.