Jim Fair
GSP held a symbolic ribbon cutting for RJ Rockers, Thomas Creek Brewery and Hudson Brands Friday at GSP. Left to right: GSP Commissioner Bill Barnet, GSP President/CEO Dave Edwards, GSP Commissioner Minor Shaw, RJ Rockers owner Mark Johnsen, Thomas Creek owner Tom Davis, MSE Branded Foods President Jack Hough and Hudson News General Manager Jim Coleman.
Jim Fair
Mark Johnsen (RJ Rockers Brewery) and Tom Davis (Thomas Creek Brewery) said they are seeing benefits brand-based restaurants at GSP.
Mark Johnsen, owner of RJ Rockers, and Tom Davis, owner of Thomas Creek Brewery, were part of a symbolic ribbon cutting with Hudson and MSE Brands Friday at GSP. The restaurants opened July 14.
“People are coming through (Thomas Creek Grill) and asking where they can get our product shipped to them and some visit us in Travelers Rest to see our brewery,” said Davis.
Davis said Thomas Creek is in 16 states and some travelers have asked for his product to be shipped closest to those states where it isn’t available.
“Johnsen said, “There’s hardly a day goes by we don’t get people coming by (Spartanburg) to see where our beer is made. Having Thomas Creek in the airport is a great feature for us.”
Johnsen said he’s “still looking to get a ‘Flight Room’ shirt” worn by his staff in the airport location. “I hope we will be selling shirts, he said.”
Apparently there is some licensing or agreement to be worked out between Thomas Creek and Hudson News, which sells a sundry of state and upper state merchandise.
Hudson News will have three fully stocked stores when the third is constructed on the concourse, near a second Dunkin’ Donut and a Baskin-Robbins. All doughnuts are made fresh at GSP's Dunkin' Donuts.
“In the history of GSP, a branded concept has never been here,” said Dave Edwards, President/CEO GSP Airport District. “We’re trying to change that with Thomas Creek and RJ Rockers. We are bringing into the airport recognized names for a great balance of brands we know and love.”
GSP’s new retail and concessions is part of the Airport District’s $125 million Wingspan expansion, a four-year project scheduled for completion the first quarter of 2016.
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