PHL’s Localization

Doing something a little different this week! Two sides of one issue. You tell me what y’all think and what I glossed over.

Side 1

I landed at PHL last week and walked past a Middle Child. Then an Oyster House. I did a double take at both.

This is the move. Every city should have an airport that feels like itself. You should never wake up in a terminal and wonder what city you are in. Where you are should be distinct. When you land in Philadelphia you should know you landed in Philadelphia. Not in the Airport Zone, that strange non-place between everywhere and nowhere.

Local brands at PHL is the city finally having some self respect. Other cities should be taking notes.

Side 2

I just want my Starbucks mobile order ready when I get through security. I want a Chick-fil-a that I know will be exactly what I expect after a long travel day. I want the comfort of the familiar when I am exhausted and my flight is delayed and I have 22 minutes to eat something.

Local is great. But consistency is also great. The airport is not the place to try something new. Sometimes you just need a number one with a lemonade.

And can someone explain to me why there is no Shake Shack in this entire airport?