Sky Dine has been selected to take over food, beverage and retail concessions at Durango-La Plata Airport beginning this summer.
Sky Dine is a family-owned company based in South Dakota that provides managed food, beverage and retail services. It also operates out of the Rapid City Regional Airport in South Dakota.
The agreement includes a five-year base term with a conditional option to renew for an additional five years, according to Aviation Director Tony Vicari, who responded to questions via city spokesman Tom Sluis.
The city declined to allow The Durango Herald to speak directly with Vicari for this article.
Three firms submitted bids for both the retail and the food and beverage opportunities, the statement said. The other bidders were not named, but according to the statement, none were local companies.
Tailwind Hospitality Inc., based in North Carolina, has been the food and beverage concessionaire at the airport since 2023, when the company took over from Durango Deli.
Durango Deli operated at the airport for more than 30 years before losing a bid to Tailwind.
Tailwind Hospitality CEO Jeff Switzer declined to comment Wednesday about Sky Dine’s selection.
Sky Dine will source products from local companies including Steamworks Brewing Co., HomeSlice Pizza, Mountain Dough Baking Co., Desert Sun Coffee and Cream Bean Berry, the release said.
The company will also work with Graze Colorado, Farm to Fingers, Ska Brewing Co., Love n' Juice, Honeyville, Animas Chocolate, Zuberfizz and Tippy Canoe, according to the release.
“We are excited for the opportunity to bring the airport’s vision to life at DRO and meaningfully represent the Durango community,” said Dustin Sejnoha, owner and managing partner of Sky Dine, in the release. “We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the airport to deliver a program that travelers and locals alike will be proud of.”
Durango Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeff Dupont said Sky Dine has collaborated with local businesses to “ensure travelers experience the authentic spirit and flavors of our region.”
“Their model helps keep dollars in our community, strengthens small businesses, and reflects the entrepreneurial pride that defines Durango and La Plata County,” Dupont said in the release. “They are hands down the right choice to represent our community at the airport.”
According to Vicari’s written statement, it is common for a competitive bidding process to determine who will take over concessions at the airport, in compliance with the federally mandated Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.
“Our ACDBE program requires that all airport concessions are competitively bid at regular intervals to ensure fair access for potential new entrant businesses,” Vicari wrote.
The airport’s evaluation committee plays a large role in deciding which concessionaire is chosen in the bidding war through scoring proposals, interviewing firms and providing a final recommendation to the airport, Vicari said.
According to the release, a construction project at the airport will culminate in new facilities like a pre-security food and retail space and a post-security kitchen and bar, coffee shop and retail shop by summer or fall 2026.
Sky Dine has committed capital to the concessions build to the tune of $1.2 million, along with several other additional investments, according to the release.
Sky Dine owner Marlin C. Sejnoha Jr. said in the release that Sky Dine “intends to be a true partner” to the airport and the community.
Vicari said in the written statement through Sluis that Sky Dine was chosen for its diverse menu, “strong” staffing plan, “quality airport references” and commitment to partnering with local and regional companies.
Sky Dine’s proposal included formal letters of support from Local First and the Durango Chamber of Commerce, the statement said.
epond@durangoherald.com
