Letter to the editor: Airport restaurant shouldn't have exclusivity

Everybody loves DeNunzio’s restaurant at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. I have eaten there many times and have enjoyed their food. However, going out to bid for public space should not be a problem for anybody (“DeNunzio’s cries ‘politics’ as county leaders press to open restaurant lease at Arnold Palmer airport,” April 13, TribLIVE). I don’t care who would get the bid if it should go through. I think the venue is a huge diamond of excellence.

My problem is that DeNunzio’s lease states that it has the exclusive right to sell all food on airport public property. This means that at our air shows that serve hundreds of thousands of people, only DeNunzio’s can provide any type of food or beverage. This eliminates all small businesses such as food trucks, other restaurants and caterers who are struggling because of the devasting covid-19 shutdown.

This option in the lease should be removed no matter who gets it. The public should enjoy more choices at the air show and not restrict other businesses that are on the property. I would like to see a huge food court with small businesses able to take part in this great event. There is more than enough business for DeNunzio’s to have a great day there as well.

Paul Kosko

Hempfield