CLTea Blog

The recent unveiling of Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Concourse A Expansion Phase II brings an exciting addition for travelers: The Crown Diner. This charming, mid-century style diner offers an all-day dining experience that’s both inviting and vibrant, making it a must-visit spot for passengers on the go. We had the opportunity to connect with Jennifer Price, Project Director with HMS Host, to explore how this captivating restaurant concept came to fruition.

“The original inspiration behind Crown Diner is derived from classic mid-century ‘diner’ symbolism with applied overtones of fun, bold, and vibrant color and details,” Price explained. “The restaurant provides an inviting all-day diner experience for every traveler—whether you’re a solo traveler who wants to catch a few minutes of a big game, a family passing time before a flight or a business traveler who needs a quiet place to answer emails.”

When it comes to the menu, The Crown Diner elevates the traditional diner experience to new heights. “My favorite items that I have had the privilege of tasting are the BBQ shrimp and grits and the fried-green tomatoes. Although the poutine fries were also an excellent choice,” Price remarked, highlighting just a few of the modern twists on beloved comfort foods that await diners.

Stepping into The Crown Diner is like entering a vibrant time capsule. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking balance of colors and textures that sweep across the space, from floor to ceiling. With jewel tones, a retro plaid pattern, stainless steel counters, exquisite marble penny-round tile and warm wood-paneled accents, the atmosphere perfectly marries vintage charm with contemporary style. It’s a unique concept not previously found in the CLT dining scene. Settle into one of the spacious, comfortable chairs at the bar, and you can expect a friendly bartender ready to take your order, as you catch up on the latest news or sports playing on the nearby TVs.

The Crown Diner’s innovative and inviting qualities make it a standout addition to the new Concourse A Expansion. “We wanted a concept with a strong breakfast presence and a menu that carried throughout the day. A diner was the obvious choice. There is not a concept like this in the Airport, and CLT aviation staff were more than excited to give us the chance to bring this to life in the new area of the concourse,” Price shared.

Price and the HMS Host team are thrilled to see The Crown Diner come to life for travelers. As they reflect on the restaurant's grand opening, Price noted, “We are happy to see travelers truly enjoying this location and the food. Every project is a labor of love, so it is always exciting to see travelers sitting in the space we created for them, eating food from a menu we designed for them, talking and laughing with each other or using the space to catch up on work.”

The Crown Diner is conveniently located in Concourse A Phase II, across from gate A30, and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Come on by—The Crown Diner is ready to serve up Southern comfort food with a twist!

July 25, 2024 – In today’s Window Seat blog, we are launching a new behind-the-scenes series showcasing the incredible people, places, programs and amenities that set our airport apart and enhance the travel experience for customers.

In coming months, we will share more insights and first-hand experiences that highlight the dedication of our employees and the exceptional services and amenities we offer.

First up – It’s summer and that means the interns have landed at the Airport.

This summer, 11 undergraduate and graduate students from colleges near and far have joined the Aviation Department, operator of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, for 12 weeks of on-the-job experiences unlike any other workplace.

Internships are a crucial step in building a successful career and providing practical experience and exposure to the professional world. Interning at an airport, a bustling hub of activity with a wide range of operations, is a unique opportunity that offers a blend of hands-on experience, skill development and professional networking. It prepares interns for the complexities of the working world while providing a comprehensive understanding of airport operations and the essential relationships with local, state and federal business partners.

Internships can also lead to full-time employment and long careers. (Just ask our CEO Haley Gentry!) We talked to five other Aviation Department employees whose careers at CLT began when they became interns:

Jordan Duke, Human Resources specialist Sr., Organizational & Talent Development Jennifer Long, concessions and terminal logistics program manager Sophie Runyon, Safety Management Systems operations coordinator Cameron Simpson, Co-Op junior procurement agent Elizabeth Erhartic, civil rights specialist lead and ADA coordinator

Q: Why did you want to transition from an Aviation Department intern to full-time employee in the department?

Sophie Runyon, intern Airside Operations 2022; hired 2022.

A: “In my last six months of college before I graduated, I was looking for a full-time job and was able to secure an internship in Airside Operations for the summer. After my time in airside, working along the airside training department, I discovered I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the importance behind the position. I decided that CLT would be a great place to start and grow my career.”

Q: What did you take away from your internship that has helped guide you in your Aviation job in the beginning or now?

Jordan Duke, intern 2018; hired 2019.

A: “The biggest thing that I learned from my internship is to take advantage of every opportunity. I tell current interns that you should treat the summer as a three-month interview. You never know what the opportunity could lead to. Network as much as possible.”

Q: Why did you want to transition from an intern to full-time employee?

Jennifer Long, public affairs intern 2001; hired 2001.

A: “I’m from Charlotte and grew up near the Airport. I started working at the Airport in 1995 as a teenager at The Body Shop. I worked there part-time through high school and part-time in college. The Airport seemed like a natural fit for an internship. I enjoyed my internship so much, plus it was during the events of 9/11. I was asked if I had interest with staying on full-time, and I was like ‘absolutely!’ and 23 years later I’m still here.”

Q: How has your internship benefitted you during your time on the job?

Cameron Simpson, Organizational & Talent Development intern 2022; hired 2023.

A: “My internship experience has benefitted me with growth. I’m not the same person I was two years ago nor am I the same person I was a year ago. A lot of this stems from work. Work is a different scenery than college; it’s truly an introduction to the real world and life down the line. It starts small and almost goes unnoticed. But you slowly see the changes in your verbiage, thought process, and your everyday routine.”

Q: Why did you want to transition from an Aviation Department intern to full-time employee in the department?

Elizabeth Erhartic, Human Resources intern 2016; hired 2018.

A: “Discovering the internship opportunities at CLT was a happy accident. I had wanted to work in the hospitality industry somehow, as a travel-lover, but I didn’t realize there were careers at the Airport aside from the jobs you see in the terminal. Once I stepped into the CLT Center offices, I knew this was the industry for me. The sounds of the aircraft excited me. Going to the terminal and getting to experience second-hand travel excitement was energizing. I remember my first meeting with airline representatives and how excited and nervous I was for it … I was passionate about the industry, felt good about what I could contribute, and felt that I could have a supported career here. I couldn’t have orchestrated my career path better. Throughout undergrad, I struggled to put my finger on what I really wanted to do. Coming here, everything made sense, including why the technical writing internship in Washington, D.C., I had declined about a month earlier with no backup plan seemed like the right thing to do.

Lastly, we saved the best – and most crucial – question for last: What advice they would you give someone considering an internship and potential career opportunities at the Airport?

Erhartic: “I always like to tell the interns I meet that I started as an intern too, and there are great opportunities if they can show up and prove themselves. For anyone looking for a career more dynamic than your typical 9-5, they’ll find it here.”

Runyon: “My advice for someone considering an internship with the Aviation Department is if you are looking for a full-time position after, make sure you are connecting with the correct people, and make sure to show up daily and do more of what is asked of you. Ambition, involvement and initiative are things that will make you stand out to the right people.”

Simpson: “Take it seriously. It might sound cliché, but it’s not; you never know what an opportunity can turn into. A prime example is our Director Haley Gentry. She started as an intern and now she’s the director of one of the busiest airports in the world. This shows how a little opportunity can change your life and start a fruitful career. She’s also a huge advocate for the internship program and growing young people's careers. It’s encouraging to see as a young professional that the head honcho is rooting for you, sharing words of wisdom and encouragement to keep you pushing yourself and better yourself.”

Long: “My advice would be to go for it. The Airport is literally like a city within itself. There are career options for so many different aspects and paths.”

Duke: “Outside of taking advantage of the opportunity, I would say find something you are passionate about. If you are passionate about the work, you will never work a day in your life!”

Learn more about the Aviation Department Internship Program on the Careers webpage. Summer internships are advertised in February each year on the City of Charlotte jobs page.

June 17, 2024 – You’re stuck in the Airport, and you are hungry, even on the verge of being hangry. It’s been a long, hectic travel day and it’s late. Maybe your flight is delayed, adding to the travel stress. You need food, but what is open to quench your thirst and satiate the grumbling stomach that’s demanding food?

CLT dining and retail concessionaires HMSHost and Paradies Lagardère recently expanded the number of businesses open 24/7 to accommodate the round-the-clock endeavor that air travel has become.

Food and Beverage 24/7

• Dunkin’, Atrium
• Brookwood Farms BBQ, Atrium
• Midwood Smokehouse to Go, Concourse B
• Beatrix Market, Concourse C
• Starbucks, Concourse A
• Ciao, Concourse D
• The Local, Concourse D
• Pronto vending, Concourse E
• Hissho Sushi, Atrium
• Queen Charlotte’s Kitchen, Baggage Claim
• Snap vending, Baggage Claim
• Red Star Lounge, Concourse B

Retail 24/7

• Charlotte News & Gifts, Concourse A
• CNBC
• Gate B4
• Gate C13
• Gate D6
• Atrium
• Charlotte Supply Co., The Plaza
• Today store, Concourse E Rotunda
• The Goods Express @ CLT (featuring Amazon "Just Walk Out" technology), Atrium.
• Travel@Ease vending
• Concourse A North Connector
• Checkpoint 1
• Concourse E
• Baggage Claim
• Rental Car Facility
• Express Deck

Coming soon - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Vending, Baggage Claim

The concept of keeping Airport shops, restaurants and services open 24 hours a day is not new to the industry but brings a host of benefits for travelers and concessionaires alike.

Enhanced Traveler Convenience

Travelers' needs don’t conform to a 9-to-5 schedule. Whether it's a late-night craving for a meal, a need to buy last-minute travel essentials, or simply a cup of coffee during a red-eye layover, 24-hour concessions cater to these requirements seamlessly. This convenience greatly improves the overall travel experience, making journeys less stressful and more comfortable.

Boosted Airport Revenue

Keeping Airport concessions open 24/7 also can significantly increase revenue streams. The continuous flow of passengers, including those on late-night and early-morning flights, have more opportunities for purchases and sales figures can see a marked uptick.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, 24-hour concessions ensure that the constant influx of passengers - whether they’re departing, arriving, or in transit - has access to retail and food options. This steady customer base translates into consistent sales, contributing to the airport’s economic health.

CLT has seen its hours of passenger demand increasing. The quiet hours of midnight to 5 a.m. where few people are around, have shrunk. It’s easy to find passengers in the Airport at all times of the day and night as demand for air travel has increased and airlines have responded to that demand with more flights.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

Extended operational hours require more staff, thereby creating job opportunities and supporting the local economy. This includes hiring for various positions such as cashiers, cooks, janitors, and security personnel, fostering employment in the surrounding communities.

This has a ripple effect on the local economy, providing stable incomes for many families and boosting economic activity in the region, where more than 20,000 people work at the Airport.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport contributed $32 billion to the state’s economy in 2021, according to the latest data from the N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation. It amounts to 5% of the state’s gross domestic product, $1.82 billion in tax revenue, 151,575 jobs and $9.9 billion in personal income.

Find out how to work at CLT.

Improved Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

Providing 24-hour services can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. Happy and satisfied travelers are more likely to become loyal customers who prefer using airports where they’ve had positive experiences.

At CLT, customer satisfaction with food, beverage and retail services tops 80%. That means 8 out of 10 passengers participating in the 2024 Quarter 1 customer satisfaction survey said they are satisfied with their CLT concessions experience. A passenger’s concessions experience at CLT is traditionally the second largest factor in their overall satisfaction rating.

Meeting Diverse Passenger Needs

Passengers traveling for different reasons – be it business, leisure, or emergencies – have varied needs. Concessions open 24 hours a day ensure that all travelers, regardless of their purpose or schedule, can access the amenities they need.

Business travelers arriving on a late-night flight might need to grab a meal before heading to a hotel or even work through the night on urgent tasks. With 24-hour concessions, they can do so with ease, helping them maintain productivity and comfort even when traveling at odd hours.

Supporting International Travel and Layovers

For international travelers, layovers can be long and taxing, especially when crossing multiple time zones. All-hours concessions can provide a welcome respite, offering food, entertainment, and relaxation options that help travelers make the most of their time in transit.

The move to more 24-hour Airport concessions is a win-win for everyone involved. Travelers benefit from the enhanced convenience and comfort, airports see increased revenue and improved customer satisfaction, and local economies thrive from the additional job creation. As air travel continues to grow and evolve, the demand for around-the-clock services will likely increase, making 24-hour airport concessions a forward-thinking strategy that caters to the needs of the modern traveler.

April 5, 2024 - For a few sweet hours on April 1, the CLT Canine Crew had an honorary equine member: Kiwi the miniature horse. Many people on social media thought we were horsing around since it was April Fool’s Day, but little Kiwi did in fact trot through the CLT terminal.

Travelers did double-takes as they walked by Kiwi. They stared in disbelief, then inevitably pulled out their phones to snap a photo.

Kiwi stands just 25” tall, about the same height as a golden retriever. But wearing purple shoes and a bedazzled vest, he stood out as the “mane” man at CLT.

Pianist Michael Colson provided the mood music, playing “Horse with No Name,” “Wild Horses” and “Old Town Road” during Kiwi’s visit to the Atrium.

The April Fool’s joke was that Kiwi was becoming a permanent member of the CLT Canine Crew. Unfortunately, Kiwi and his human handlers at Stampede of Love are busy helping children and adults of all abilities through animal-assisted therapy.

CLT Social Media Manager Virginia Lane came up with the idea as a way to continue the Airport’s April Fool’s day tradition while giving travelers an unexpected treat.

Previous pranks include announcing that Airport construction was complete and that CLT was removing the beloved rocking chairs. We can’t imagine either of those things ever happening.

Some reactions to Kiwi overheard in the terminal:

“Ok, now I’ve seen everything.” – Steve, American Airlines

“I’ve never seen a horse so small, but I have rode a horse so big!” - Evelina, 6 years old

“My wife’s going to want one.” – several husbands

“You made my day!” – unknown airline worker

“That’s a really big dog!” – several travelers

“I’ve never seen a horse inside an airport before!” – Edwin, traveler

“His mane was soft.” – Patrick, 4 years old

“I thought he was really cute.” – Allison, 6 years old

“Wait a second, the sign says canine but I am not looking at a canine!” – unknown traveler

Tara Needham founded Stampede of Love with her mother, Mary in 2004. Based in Raleigh, N.C., the non-profit relies on donations to fund trips to schools, hospitals, airports and other places where people need stress-relief and a smile. Watch the video about Kiwi’s visit to CLT.

Feb. 27, 2024 – In the world and business of travel, the CLT Aviation Academy stands out as a source of inspiration for community members looking to understand Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s importance in the Queen City.

The CLT Aviation Academy is an annual program that provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to better understand the Airport’s inner workings and its contributions to our economy, transportation system and community. Aviation Academy participants gain behind-the-scenes access to current operations and future CLT planning efforts.

The first day participants receive an intense introduction to CLT, and over the course of the next nine weeks they experience life in the terminal, see first-hand the Airport construction through the Destination CLT infrastructure improvement program, meet the Airport’s leadership and its business partners and learn how safety and security of CLT’s 20,000-plus workers and 53.4 million passengers (an annual record as of 2023) is a top priority.

The key strength of the Aviation Academy is in the success of its graduates, who in exchange for the very cool experience they receive go on to be advocates for the Airport in their communities and workplaces. We want them to share the Airport’s story. Some go further seeking to be involved in the community in bigger ways.

Nakia Savage of Charlotte had completed the City of Charlotte’s Civic Leadership Academy when she learned about the Aviation Academy. Living close to the Airport, she often wondered what was happening here. She signed up and went on to graduate in 2022, but she did not stop there.

Savage joined the Airport Community Roundtable (ACR), a broad-based community group that provides feedback to Airport leadership. She cites the knowledge she gained with the Aviation Academy for inspiring her desire to continue learning more about the Airport. She still serves on the ACR. Listen as she shares her story in this video on our website.

Victoria Watlington participated in Aviation Academy in 2018. She later set her sights on Charlotte City Council where she was first elected to the district that encompasses the Airport. She currently serves as an at-large representative. As a council member, she continues her community advocacy as a champion of workforce and business development, economic mobility, responsible growth and infrastructure and community engagement.

Not everyone who participates in the Aviation Academy goes on to hold office or join committees. Some have become volunteers at Airport-sponsored events like the CLT Runway 5K or the Airport triennial disaster drill. There are even people who have joined the ranks of Airport Volunteers. This year, a chaplain and volunteer from the USO Charlotte Airport Center are enrolled to learn more about the Airport.

No matter what they go on to do, all the Aviation Academy graduates walk away with having had a unique experience and with a greater understanding and appreciation for CLT and its impact as an employer and economic driver in the region and state.

So far, 137 people have joined the alumni ranks of the Aviation Academy. The class of 2024, which graduates March is meeting now, is the largest group in the Academy’s history – 36 people will graduate in March 21. And who knows where this unique experience will take them or if it will inspire them to soar to new heights as community leaders and Airport advocates.

With its commitment to empowering advocacy among community leaders and members, the possibilities for Aviation Academy graduates are boundless.

Stay tuned for more information about the Class of 2025 and how you can join. Information is shared on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn (use the handle @cltairport) and on the CLT Aviation Academy webpage.

Feb. 21, 2024 –The morning was going well, for a Monday. A passenger scored a hard-to-find rocking chair in the Atrium and was swaying as he passed the time. That’s when his cellphone slipped out of his pocket and fell at just the right angle to drop through the grate surrounding a tree.

One by one, CLT workers arrived to try to retrieve the phone. The first two workers had no luck. The next two men took the grate apart and dug around with various tools, but they still couldn’t reach the phone.

Enter Jennifer Salvatore and Tessa Crull of Terminal Operations. Crull borrowed a broom from a nearby restaurant and Salvatore climbed into the plant base. She used the broom to clear away the leaves and other debris, but it was too dark to see anything. That’s when two officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department offered their flashlights.

Crull held a flashlight. The passenger pinged his cell from another phone. Salvatore dug around with the broom until she finally spotted the device. But it wasn’t in a case, and it was laying flat. The crew had to shift the base of the tree so Salvatore could flip the phone on its side. She then used a grabber stick to retrieve the phone.

When she handed the phone to the passenger, he screeched in delight. He told her it was so comforting seeing CLT workers go above and beyond to help him: “You guys are the best!” he said.

We totally agree.

Dec. 22, 2023 – During two days in December, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is full of young men and women in Army camouflage. Buses full of recruits from Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., arrive every half hour. It’s part of the annual Victory Block Leave, when about 4,500 trainees go home for the holidays.

Many of these new soldiers are teenagers and Basic Training was their first time leaving home. They’ve been in the hands of a drill sergeant for the past few months, and they are looking forward to being back in the arms of their loved ones.

Supporting the soldiers during Victory Block Leave is a team effort. CLT, the Airport USO, HMSHost, Paradies Lagardère and the airlines join together to make sure the trainees are well fed and comfortable while they wait for their flights. USO volunteers are out in force assisting however they can. Some of the soldiers need help getting to their gates. A lot of them just want pictures taken with their friends.

There are plenty of cookies, chips and candy for them to enjoy without worrying if their drill sergeant is watching. Charlotte USO Center Manager Julie Milani makes sure about that. She knows what their food intake has been during training, and the USO provides them with the things they haven’t been allowed to eat for a while. They can come back for seconds and thirds if they want.

After getting something to eat, you’ll find the soldiers relaxing, listening to music, swaying on rocking chairs and scrolling through their phones. We asked some of them what they are most looking forward to during their time off.

• Pvt. Janean Carr says she is eager to spend time with her family in Chicago, decorate the house, fill stockings and bake cookies. “I can’t wait to eat cookies without getting in trouble.”
• Pvt. Makenna Duy says she can’t wait to eat her dad’s famous mashed potatoes and spend time with her siblings in Tennessee. “They haven’t seen me in a long time and I’m sure they miss me because I’m the big sister.”
• Pvt. Dean Hawkins is anticipating seeing his younger brother when he gets home to Eagle River, Alaska. They have both been training at Fort Jackson but haven’t seen each other since leaving home. “Thanksgiving we were actually in the same dining hall, but we didn’t know it because there were so many people there.”
• Pvt. Trey Stancil says chilling out and relaxing are on the top of his to-do list when he gets to Orlando. “I just want to sit in a room by myself. I’ve had to sleep with 64 people in the room.”

The Army pauses training for Victory Block Leave so the soon-to-be soldiers and their trainers can reflect on what they’ve accomplished, enjoy time with their loved ones and come back energized. Look for them to come back through CLT in early January as everyone makes their way back to Fort Jackson.