SEATAC, Wash. — Five new restaurants opened in the Central Terminal at Sea-Tac Airport on Friday as part of $3.7 billion in projects at one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S.
Your new dining options include locally owned and run Evergreens Salad, Pallino Pasteria and Lucky Louie Fish Shack. Also opening Friday are Pei Wei Asian Kitchen and Koi Shi Sushi Bento.
“We came early so we can look around and shop,” said Katie Craig of Lake Stevens who was traveling with her family for spring break and saw the renovations. “It's beautiful. I love it!”
The $3.7 billion covers 100 projects at Sea-Tac Airport between 2017 and 2022. Chef Kathy Casey, owner of Lucky Louie Fish Shack, told KIRO 7 the airport’s growth is a big reason they wanted to open in the Central Terminal.
“That means steady business, which is great for an independent business like ours,” Casey said. “I really want to share that Northwest flavor with passengers.”
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The decision on restaurants wasn't without controversy. KIRO7 covered protests in 2017 when Ivar's learned it was getting the boot from the Central Terminal. Ivar's owner Bob Donegan criticized the selection process, saying "the interview process was a sham."
On Friday, Port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck told KIRO 7 in Sea-Tac Airport's continued growth, the aim is to make it the best airport for passenger experience.
“For being a beautiful place to visit, to shop, to eat and get through the airport with the least amount of time possible,” Steinbrueck said.
“I think you'll continue to see changes at Seatac Airport that I hope and believe will make the traveler experience better. And that we will be reducing our environmental footprint. That means dealing with noise issues, with pollution, carbon emissions, and all of that.”