TaMaryn Waters

Democrat staff writer

Two new concession areas opened at Tallahassee International Airport.

On Wednesday, Coastal Way Cafe began serving passengers in the pre-security area where the Samuel Adams bar formerly was located. Live Oak Grille opened Feb. 15 just past the Transportation Safety Administration area. In the near future, a smaller version of the Capital City News and Gifts stand, near the check-in and arrival area, will open. The new stand will be around the corner from TSA security.

"You’ll have food options and retail options on pre-security and post-security (areas),” Aviation Airport Director Chris Curry said.

The changes are part of the airport's master plan to spruce up the dated interior, which hasn't had major renovations in decades. The improvements are slightly behind schedule, and about 50 percent of the modernization is complete, Curry said.

Seals from Florida State and Florida A&M universities and Tallahassee Community College are installed in the concourse floor near the entrance area of the airport. Each is meant to reflect some of the area's assets. Other areas that have not yet been tackled include the inline baggage system. By September, Curry said, all the work should be complete.

The construction and concept for the airport's concession stands is being led by Tailwind, a master concessionaire operating in several airports. Curry said Tailwind specializes in airports similar in size to TLH, which serves about 760,000 passengers per year.

According to Tailwind's website, the company operates airport concessions in Gainesville, Wilmington, North Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Pasco, Washington, and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.