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Airport renovations take flight

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Renovations to the Springfield-Branson National Airport are taking off mid-January to the tune of $750,000 – including an updated restaurant, officials say.

The project includes an expansion and possible rebranding of the airport restaurant, along with adding charging stations and upgrading the free Wi-Fi. The updates correspond with annual passenger numbers projected to reach 1 million per year, according to a news release.

“With several new routes and airlines going to larger jets, customers using the airport have grown 35 percent since 2001,” said Brian Weiler, director of the airport known by its SGF service code, in the release. “We want our terminal amenities to keep up.”

The $564,000 restaurant expansion will grow the space by more than 50 percent. Counter millwork and new kitchen equipment will be paid for by Memphis-based Air Host Inc., which oversees the restaurant. Terrazzo flooring will replace the current tile in the concourse in front of the restaurant for $24,000. According to the release, the menu also will be updated to include breakfast and gourmet hamburgers.

Airport spokesman Kent Boyd said via email the restaurant may be rebranding. He deferred further questions to Air Host President David Shelton, who did not return phone calls by deadline. McAlister’s Deli is the restaurant currently listed on the airport website.

The Wi-Fi upgrade comes courtesy of a trade deal between the airport and Total Highspeed LLC, Boyd said. The new charging stations will cost $69,000. Currently, there are eight charging stations in the airport gates. Following the upgrades, there will be 80, mostly located at six task table areas.

“Making improvements like this are vital to the airport’s success,” Weiler said. “It’s part of an ongoing process of making sure our airport offers the best possible customer service experience.”

The upgrades are expected to be complete by spring. During construction, the restaurant will operate in a temporary space with a limited menu. The project architect is Springfield-based Butler, Rosenbury & Partners LLP and Columbus, Kansas-based Crossland Construction is on as general contractor, according to the release.

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