EAT. has won the bid to open the largest Food to Go retail outlet in Heathrow’s Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal, scheduled to open in June 2014, fighting off intense competition to win the bid for its ambitious new concept store.
The new 4,200 square foot store, being built with an investment of £1 million, has been designed to put the EAT. menu centre-stage to an international audience. It will be a unique store in the EAT. estate, with the experience tailored to ensure that a diverse customer audience will meet with welcoming service, a relaxing environment and great food.
The vision for the future of good food-to-go
Adrian Johnson, EAT. Chief Executive, said:
‘We are very excited to bring to our Terminal 2 store a concept that we see being the vision for the future of good food-to-go. In developing new ideas, we worked closely with the team at Heathrow to ensure that our service and food offer would set a new standard, both within transit and the food market place. We are confident that first time visitors, repeat customers and Heathrow staff alike will find the same great EAT. menu they expect in a store that is exciting and different to anything they’ve seen before.’
Muriel Zingraff-Shariff, Heathrow’s retail director said:
‘EAT.’s popularity with passengers at Heathrow so far shows us that their menu really resonates with international customers, so asking the team to join us at Terminal 2 was an easy decision. Terminal 2 will be their largest outlet so far, offering passengers a freshly prepared meal with innovative digital interfaces designed to help make the most of busy passenger’s time.’
Fresh from the kitchen
At the heart of the store design is the kitchen, where customers can see the hot food menu being prepared and served. The market place entrance will also offer the broad selection of chilled food, such as sandwiches and salads, in addition to the freshly baked patisserie and cookies that will be served straight from the kitchen oven.
Technology in support
The space will be zoned, to ensure areas for people with different needs, such as individual travellers, groups and families either in a hurry, or with time to sit down and relax. The latest digital technology is being used to enhance and support the food experience, through elements such as self-service tills, multilingual information points and digital menu boards that change according to the menu for the day, time of day or season. Wrap around screens will also be installed in some of the booths, to transport customers in those spaces to different places, seasons and events from the comfort of their seats whilst enjoying their food.