For immediate release: Thursday, July 10, 2025 

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has earned international acclaim as The BBQ Experience, operated by Outstanding Hospitality Management, was named Airport Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year (Airport ≤20M passengers) at the 2025 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards in Barcelona, Spain. 

"Unsurprisingly, Kansas City smoked the competition in providing world-class barbecue and flavor for KCI travelers from around the world.  We're proud to have some of our best dining options in the city available for the world to taste at our airport,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. 

The FAB Awards, presented at a gala ceremony on June 26 at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, honor the world’s best in travel food & beverage. This year’s competition drew a record 430 entries across categories, with a distinguished panel of industry experts recognizing Kansas City’s signature barbecue concept as the best in its class among airports worldwide. 

“This award is a testament to the authentic, welcoming experience we want every visitor to Kansas City International Airport to enjoy,” said Melissa Cooper, Kansas City Aviation Department Director. “Barbecue is a proud part of Kansas City’s culture, and we’re thrilled to see our hometown tradition recognized on the global stage.” 

The BBQ Experience was selected as the Americas regional winner before capturing the overall category award for airports serving fewer than 20 million passengers. Judges praised its commitment to showcasing Kansas City’s famous barbecue heritage while delivering quality, hospitality, and a true sense of place for travelers. 

Now operated from the newly opened MCI single terminal, The BBQ Experience has quickly become a favorite among travelers for its slow-smoked meats, classic sides, and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the city’s culinary roots. 

The restaurant is part of the regionally inspired shopping and dining program at Kansas City International, which is managed by Vantage Group. The program features nearly 50 concepts, of which 80% are local to the region, which together showcase the best of the region’s flavors, skilled artisans and makers, rich history, and immersive experiences. To bring the program to life, Vantage built a strong partnership with the Kansas City Aviation Department and a robust and diverse local team of minority equity partners, concession operators, airport retailers, and local businesses, including OHM Concessions Group, and WHSmith North America.  

“Kansas City International Airport’s new terminal was designed to reflect our city’s spirit and hospitality,” Cooper added. “This award underscores our goal of creating a world-class travel experience with local flavor that travelers remember long after they leave.” 

The Moodie Davitt Report, a leading global travel retail and airport commercial publisher, organizes the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards. This year’s event brought together industry leaders from around the world to celebrate excellence and innovation in airport dining and hospitality. 

For more about the Kansas City Aviation Department and its award-winning new terminal, visit flykc.com. 

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Media with questions may contact media@kcmo.org.