Why Airports are Full of “Fake” Restaurants

The Hustle

The Hustle

6 min, 56 sec

The video explores the prevalence, operators, and reasons behind generic airport restaurants, and their significant contribution to non-aeronautical airport revenue.

Summary

  • Generic airport restaurants are widespread and contribute up to 59% of non-aeronautical airport revenue.
  • One company, OTG, operates more than 350 locations and is a key player in the airport dining industry.
  • The cost of franchises in airports is high, leading vendors to create generic restaurants to avoid franchise fees.
  • OTG's innovative customer service approach has set an industry standard, while some airports, like PDX, focus on local businesses.

Chapter 1

Noticing Airport Restaurant Names

0:00 - 8 sec

The video begins by mentioning the seemingly generic names of airport restaurants.

The video begins by mentioning the seemingly generic names of airport restaurants.

  • The narrator notes the presence of generic and recognizable restaurant names at airports.
  • Examples like 'New York Deli' and 'Martini Bar Soho' are mentioned.

Chapter 2

The Impact of Airport Dining

0:08 - 22 sec

The significance of airport dining to airport revenue is highlighted.

The significance of airport dining to airport revenue is highlighted.

  • Airport dining has driven up to 59% of non-aeronautical airport revenue.
  • The video questions why airports partner with generic restaurants.

Chapter 3

Understanding Airport Restaurants

0:30 - 46 sec

The narrator digs into the commonality of airport restaurants and the companies behind them.

The narrator digs into the commonality of airport restaurants and the companies behind them.

  • The narrator investigates the prevalence of airport restaurants, who operates them, and the reasons for their partnerships with airports.
  • Restaurants are legitimate businesses, but not typical franchises or local spots.

Chapter 4

History of Airport Restaurants

1:16 - 33 sec

A historical perspective on airport dining is provided.

A historical perspective on airport dining is provided.

  • Unique airport dining dates back to the 1930s, aimed at attracting wealthy travelers.
  • Airports targeted both travelers and non-travelers, turning dining into an attraction.

Chapter 5

Evolution of Airport Dining Post-9/11

1:49 - 32 sec

Changes in airport dining after 9/11 are examined.

Changes in airport dining after 9/11 are examined.

  • After 9/11, increased security led to longer airport stays, prompting a need for more food spots.
  • This resulted in a rise of generic restaurants at airports.

Chapter 6

Case Study: JFK Airport Dining

2:21 - 23 sec

JFK Airport's dining options are analyzed as a case study.

JFK Airport's dining options are analyzed as a case study.

  • An examination of JFK Airport's Terminal 8 dining options reveals a mix of global chains and lesser-known spots.
  • Out of 18 eateries, 12 are generic and 4 are under the umbrella of OTG.

Chapter 7

Introducing OTG and Rick Blatstein

2:44 - 40 sec

The video introduces OTG and its founder Rick Blatstein.

The video introduces OTG and its founder Rick Blatstein.

  • OTG, founded by Rick Blatstein, operates many airport dining locations.
  • Blatstein's experience with airport restaurants began in Philadelphia International Airport.

Chapter 8

OTG's Innovative Approach

3:24 - 1 min, 2 sec

OTG's innovative customer service strategies are discussed.

OTG's innovative customer service strategies are discussed.

  • OTG revolutionized airport dining with iPads for on-command food ordering.
  • Their strategies led to increased customer service scores and media attention.

Chapter 9

Airport Dining Economics

4:26 - 24 sec

The economic reasons for airports to work with generic restaurants are explored.

The economic reasons for airports to work with generic restaurants are explored.

  • Franchise costs in airports are high, leading to the creation of generic restaurants to save on fees.
  • Airports benefit from simplified management and operations when partnering with companies like OTG.

Chapter 10

Portland International Airport's Unique Strategy

4:50 - 1 min, 52 sec

Portland International Airport's unique dining strategy is highlighted.

Portland International Airport's unique dining strategy is highlighted.

  • Portland International Airport opts for local businesses over generic restaurants.
  • This strategy supports local economies while maintaining efficiency.

Chapter 11

Closing Thoughts

6:42 - 11 sec

The video concludes with a reflection on the true nature of airport restaurants.

The video concludes with a reflection on the true nature of airport restaurants.

  • The narrator encourages viewers to rethink their assumptions about 'random' airport restaurants.
  • The video ends with an invitation to subscribe to The Hustle YouTube channel for more stories.