Gideon Toal Management Services Acquires Management of New Eateries
SYRACUSE — Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) had the “busiest year in the airport’s history” in 2023 with nearly 3 million air travelers passing through the facility.
The 2.86 million passenger figure at SYR surpasses 2019 traffic levels, which produced a 30-year record for the airport, by 11 percent.
The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) on Feb. 2 announced the data in its annual report, which it discussed during its State of the Airport event.
That same day, SRAA and Gideon Toal Management Services (GTMS) also announced plans for two new eateries at the airport.
Two new eateries
Gideon Toal Management Services (GTMS) is a U.S. Department of Transportation-certified Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) that currently operates the Escape Lounge at SYR.
The SRAA and GTMS have finalized an agreement for GTMS to open and operate a Qdoba Mexican Eats and Einstein Bros Bagels at SYR.
Qdoba will operate in the post-security checkpoint hallway leading to concourse A gates, near the Escape Lounge. Additionally, Einstein Bros. Bagels will occupy a newly planned extension at the end of concourse B.
The project was secured through a successful bid last fall, SRAA said. The addition to the airport’s concessions is made possible, in part, by the $20 million grant awarded to SYR in September through the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, it added.
Both restaurants are anticipated to begin operations at different points throughout 2024.
The quick-serve nature of each will help the airport “meet the demand” for more grab-and-go options, especially during peak travel hours, SRAA said.
The Syracuse airport draws most of its traffic in three distinct “banks” — or clusters of outgoing flights — most days from 4-6 a.m.; 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; and 4-6 p.m., per the authority.
Founded in 1996, GTMS operates airport lounges at 11 locations in 8 domestic U.S. airports including Dallas Fort Worth International, Orlando International, and Las Vegas International and has earned numerous prestigious aviation awards for exceptional customer service since 2014.