Operating more than 700 stores, restaurants and bars in more than 90 airports across North America, Paradies Lagardère closely tracks traveler needs and preferences and evolving culinary trends to shape its airport dining options. The company recently received top honors at the 2026 Airport Experience® News Airport Experience Awards, earning Best Overall Restaurateur for the first time and Best Overall Retailer for the 29th consecutive year. In an interview with Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine, Alice Cheung, Senior Director of Brands & Concepts for the company’s Dining Division, reveals why airport diners value choice, flexibility, high-touch human hospitality, and a "worth it" experience, as well as unique operational challenges airport dining spots face. What do airport diners want and how have their needs evolved? How important is value? Airport diners want the same thing everyone wants when they eat out – good food that feels worth it. But the meaning of “worth it” is different in airports. People aren’t just paying for food, they are paying for convenience, speed, and reliability during what can be a stressful experience. Travelers are willing to pay airport prices if they feel like they are getting something real for their money. Value has become incredibly important in 2026, especially with the economy feeling uncertain. But the thing to remember is that value doesn’t mean cheap. Travelers are willing to pay airport prices if they feel like they are getting something real for their money. Maybe that’s an amazing sandwich that hits the spot during…
