Boston Culinary Group Debuts Cosi Kiosk at LaGuardia On June 16, Boston Culinary Group at La Guardia Airport introduced its first in a series of new kiosks scheduled to open in 2005.  Cosi, an award winning concept that features fresh baked breads and fresh brewed coffee, will now serve airline passengers arriving and departing from the Central Terminal on concourse D.

“It is a grab and go location with gourmet food options,” says Peter Schoener, Boston Culinary Group’s Regional Vice President.  “We are catering to the air traveler who is looking for alternatives to a burger and fries or pizza, but still wants to eat on-the-run.  Many of our customers are carrying their food on the plane.”

The most popular items are the Cosi Club Sandwich, served on bread baked fresh each morning and the Cosi Signature Salad, made with gorgonzola, grapes, pears, pistachios and dried cranberries on mixed greens with roasted shallot sherry vinaigrette.  All of the menu items are prepared fresh in the Figs kitchen  (The company operates a full service Figs restaurant and a Figs Café express outlet at LaGuardia as well).  Strict adherence to established shelf-life times ensure that passengers are buying truly fresh products.

“We are currently getting our legs under us on the prep and par levels,” explains Wes Mills, Boston Culinary Group’s General Manager of LaGuardia operations. “We are building a solid reputation here and the last thing we want to happen is someone getting anything from us that is sub-par.”

The attention to detail and quality control first attracted Boston Culinary Group to the Cosi concept.  “We were looking for healthy, gourmet alternatives for our LaGuardia operations,” says Chris Verros, Executive Vice President of Boston Culinary Group.  “We felt we had a good match when we saw their operating policies and the efforts they make to maintain the integrity of their products in a grab-and-go environment.”

Sales to date have been brisk and show promise for the future.  “We are averaging about 600 customers per day,” estimates Mills. “It’s a great location and the name recognition is certainly beneficial.  We spent a lot of time and effort training our talented staff and gave them a lightning fast POS system so we never have long lines.  All the elements are in place.  Fast, fresh and friendly.”

Mills appreciates the value of establishing operating systems and standards, especially this year because he will be opening several other new outlets at the airport.  “We are keeping Wes busy this year,” explains Schoener.  “We are opening a Sam Adams Pub in July, a Dunkin Donuts kiosk later this summer and a Dunkin/Baskin Robbins store in the fall.  This is a very pivotal time for us.  You only get one chance to make a great first impression.”

Contact Information:
Joe Armstrong
Business Development Manager
55 Cambridge Parkway
Cambridge, MA 02142
617.499.2700 Ext. 153
www.bostonculinarygroup.com

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