All about the Observation Deck
- The airport boss is hoping for a deal to open the viewing platform to residents
- Customers can watch planes arrive and depart while eating Menches burgers
- “Great airport facilities (and) the feel of a small airport,” says the airport boss
Observation Deck, a new restaurant featuring Menches Brothers burgers, has taken off at Akron-Canton Airport.
Located in the terminal, it offers a wide view of the runway. Last month, Menches and United Concessions Group, which manages concessions at the airport, announced the deal.
More:What we know about the deal to bring Menches burgers to the Akron-Canton airport restaurant
Ren Camacho, the airport’s president and CEO, said Akron-Canton and UCG wanted a restaurant serving local dishes.
“It was important for the community to have local food,” he said Thursday at a stop at the restaurant.
Camacho said he ordered a burger on St. Patrick’s Day, the restaurant’s official opening day. He said he plans to stop by a few times a week.
Can someone stop by for a burger?
Not now. The restaurant is only open to ticketed passengers, but Camacho hopes to sign a deal with the TSA to restrict access for residents. There are some such offers at US airports, he said.
what about the name
It pays homage to an old feature of the airport, when aviation fans could pay 10 cents to watch planes take off and land from an outside observation area.
“We’re bringing back that observation deck nostalgia,” Camacho said.
They have been open for more than a week. How are you?
The observation deck was packed up until opening day and has been doing solidly ever since, Camacho said. The busiest days are expected to be Thursday, Friday and Sunday, when passenger numbers are at their highest.
UCG operations manager Tom Collins said Menches burgers are a perfect fit.
“We had several Menches employees who came and said it’s great that it’s here,” he said.
More:Allegiant is adding seasonal non-stop service between Akron-Canton Airport and Myrtle Beach
Collins said the restaurant has 12 employees and that number is expected to increase.
What is the airport’s interest in this?
Camacho said the new restaurant adds to the airport’s passenger amenities, which have increased since the 2020 COVID-19 crisis year.
The airport boss hopes to add more companies with a business catalyst program. For six months, minority-owned businesses can rent a small space for $1 a month. An area opposite the viewing platform can also be opened up for kiosks.
“We want to be an airport with large airport facilities (and) the feel of a small airport,” he said.
More:6 reasons why you should subscribe to the Akron Beacon Journal
Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at[email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj.