Trendy burgers, gourmet food-truck fare and vegan dishes are some new dining options for travelers that are expected to become available next year at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Contracts were awarded Monday by airport commissioners for eateries from chefs such as Govind Armstrong (Table 8, 8oz. Burger Bar), Neil Fraser (Grace), Mark Peel (Campanile) and Jimmy Shaw (Loteria Grill), but they still require approval from the Los Angeles City Council, according to a news release. Approval may not be a slam-dunk, given past controversies over such contracts.

Host International Inc. and CMS/Camacho Ventures have put together packages of restaurants scheduled to open in 2012.

Terminal 4 would add Campanile, Cole’s (French dip sandwiches), 8oz. Burger Bar, L.A. Gourmet Street Truck, La Provence Patisserie & Cafe, vegan restaurant Real Food Daily and Starbucks.


Terminals 7 and 8 would gain Seven Grand (bar) and BLD, Loteria Grill (Mexican), Marmalade Cafe, the Counter (burgers), Yogurtland and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

The idea behind the new offerings is to reflect more California cuisine and give the food outlets a “sense of place, officials said.

“We have a cast of new, talented and proven restaurants that will put ‘L.A.’ back into LAX,” Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, said in a statement.

The move is part of the airport’s quest to overhaul gift stores, beverage stands and restaurants in some terminals. Last fall, the City Council awarded nine concession contracts. The contracts had become mired in controversy over conflict-of-interest charges leveled by the city attorney during the bidding process.