Ruba Awad-Moran, Partner at AO shares How Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona Crafts Space More Than Just a Dining Destination with Natural Beauty and Culinary Diversity

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

The Crystals at Sky Harbor food court, a newly unveiled culinary hub at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, offers travelers a unique blend of local and national dining experiences. Spanning an impressive 7,500 square feet, this food court has been meticulously designed by AO, a full-service architecture firm. Drawing inspiration from the natural crystal formations and geodes of the Sonoran Desert, the space features organic and calming elements, with natural wood finishings and geometric shapes that reflect Arizona’s rugged mountain landscapes. The central bar, operated by Pedal Haus, serves as the food court’s anchor, its design mimicking the state’s distinctive desert environment. With sandy shading and mountain-inspired shapes, it captures the essence of Arizona’s natural beauty, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere for travelers.

The Crystals at Sky Harbor food court proudly showcases a variety of dining options that cater to diverse tastes. Local and regional favorites, such as Eegee’s, Pedal Haus, and Berry Divine Acai Bowls, offer a taste of Arizona’s vibrant culinary scene. Eegee’s, known for its iconic frozen lemonade, provides a refreshing escape, while Pedal Haus, an award-winning brewery, brings high-quality craft beers to the mix. For those seeking healthier options, Berry Divine Acai Bowls offers nutritious fruit bowls and smoothies inspired by Sedona’s health-centric culture.

National favorites also have a strong presence, with Bobby’s Burgers by celebrity chef Bobby Flay and the ever-popular Chick-Fil-A providing familiar comfort foods.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego expressed her enthusiasm for this addition, highlighting how the Crystals at Sky Harbor not only enriches the traveler experience with local flavors but also supports local businesses, making “America’s Friendliest Airport” now also “America’s Tastiest Airport.” This new food court represents a significant enhancement to Sky Harbor’s offerings, providing travelers with a unique and memorable dining experience.

In an exclusive interview with Ruba Awad-Moran, Partner at AO, we explored the innovative design and culinary offerings of the newly launched Crystals at Sky Harbor food court at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Spanning 7,500 square feet, this thoughtfully crafted space is more than just a dining destination—it’s a celebration of Arizona’s natural beauty and culinary diversity. Awad-Moran shared insights into the architectural inspiration drawn from the Sonoran Desert’s crystal formations and geodes, which are reflected in the food court’s organic design elements, including natural wood finishings and geometric shapes reminiscent of Arizona’s rugged mountain landscapes.

At the heart of this space is the Pedal Haus central bar, designed to echo the state’s distinctive desert environment. The bar’s shape and sandy shading capture the essence of Arizona’s warm, earthy tones, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere that resonates with travelers.

How large is the Crystals at Sky Harbor food court?

The Crystals at Sky Harbor food court is an expansive dining space within Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, covering an impressive 7,500 square feet. This substantial area is designed to accommodate a variety of culinary experiences, offering travelers a spacious and comfortable environment to enjoy a meal or a quick snack before their flights. The food court’s large footprint allows for the inclusion of multiple dining options, ranging from local favorites to nationally recognized brands, ensuring that there is something for every palate. The thoughtfully planned layout not only provides ample seating but also creates an inviting atmosphere that reflects the natural beauty of Arizona, making it a standout feature of the airport’s offerings.

Which local and regional food options are available at the Crystals at Sky Harbor?

The Crystals at Sky Harbor food court offers a diverse and carefully curated selection of dining options, featuring both regional and national favorites that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. These options provide travelers with an authentic taste of local culture as well as familiar comfort foods, making it a culinary destination within the airport.

Regional Favorites:

Eegee’s:
Eegee’s is a beloved food chain with over 30 locations spread across Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Known for its iconic frozen lemonade, the “Eegee,” this refreshing treat comes in a variety of flavors and is particularly popular among locals for its ability to quench the thirst of those enduring the hot Sonoran Desert climate. Eegee’s menu extends beyond its famous frozen beverages to include a variety of sandwiches in all sizes, fresh salads, crispy chicken tenders, savory fries, pretzels, and an assortment of sweet treats. This makes Eegee’s a go-to spot for both refreshing drinks and satisfying meals, providing travelers with a quintessential Arizona dining experience.

Pedal Haus:
Pedal Haus is an award-winning brewery that has made a significant mark in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Founded by Julian Wright in 2015, Pedal Haus combines high-quality craft beers with a unique ambiance inspired by Wright’s passion for cycling. The brewery’s locations are adorned with cycling-themed decor, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere for guests. Pedal Haus’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed; in 2023, it was honored as Brewery of the Year by the Arizona Craft Beer Awards. Travelers can enjoy a selection of Pedal Haus’s finest brews at the Sky Harbor location, where the beer is as much a part of the Arizona experience as the landscape itself.

Berry Divine Acai Bowls:
Berry Divine Acai Bowls is a health-conscious dining option that offers a refreshing array of fruit bowls, smoothies, and soft serve. With eight locations across Arizona and Texas, Berry Divine is inspired by Sedona’s health-centric culture, which emphasizes natural, wholesome ingredients. The menu is designed to provide a nutritious and delicious alternative to typical airport fare, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious travelers. Each bowl or smoothie is packed with fresh fruits and superfoods, offering a flavorful way to stay energized while on the go.

National Favorites:

Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay:
Bobby’s Burgers brings the culinary expertise of celebrity chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay to Sky Harbor Airport, marking the brand’s first airport location. Known for his innovative approach to American cuisine, Flay has crafted a menu at Bobby’s Burgers that features a variety of gourmet burgers, sides, sweets, and breakfast dishes. Each item reflects Flay’s signature style, blending classic flavors with unique twists inspired by his vast culinary experience. Whether travelers are looking for a hearty burger or a quick breakfast bite, Bobby’s Burgers offers a high-quality dining experience that stands out in the airport’s food court.

Chick-Fil-A:
Chick-Fil-A is a nationally recognized fast-food chain known for its focus on fresh, high-quality chicken dishes. The Sky Harbor location offers travelers a range of beloved menu items, including the classic Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich, crispy chicken nuggets, and their famous waffle fries. In addition to its delicious food, Chick-Fil-A is also renowned for its exceptional customer service, ensuring that each dining experience is as pleasant as possible. Whether it’s a quick meal before a flight or a satisfying snack, Chick-Fil-A provides a reliable and comforting option for travelers seeking familiar flavors.

Who designed the Crystals at Sky Harbor food court and what materials were used in its design?

AO, a full-service architecture firm, designed the food court, drawing inspiration from the natural crystal formations and geodes found in the Sonoran Desert. The materials used thoughtfully evoke these geological and geometric shapes. Natural design elements, including a variety of wood finishings, are incorporated throughout the space to create an organic and calming atmosphere.

How does the central bar in the food court emulate Arizona’s natural environment?

Pedal Haus beautifully emulates Arizona’s natural environment by drawing inspiration from the state’s distinctive desert landscape. Designed as the anchor of the food court, the bar’s shape mimics the rugged outline of Arizona’s mountains, creating a striking visual centerpiece that resonates with the surrounding scenery. The sandy shading of the bar captures the essence of the desert’s warm, earthy tones, enhancing the natural ambiance.

The surrounding wall and ceiling decorations further accentuate this theme with geometric architecture that reflects mountain shapes, seamlessly integrating the design elements. This thoughtful incorporation of natural motifs transforms the food court into a cohesive, immersive space that celebrates Arizona’s unique geological features.

What did Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego say about the new food court at Sky Harbor Airport?

Mayor Kate Gallego was very excited about the addition of Crystals at Sky Harbor to the PHX Airport.

She expressed how “America’s Friendliest Airport” will now become its tastiest. Gallego is proud that the food court provides travelers with the local flavors of Phoenix while also adding national favorites.

Specifically, Gallego shared this sentiment about how Crystals at Sky Harbor will enrich the traveler experience, while supporting businesses:

“It’s so exciting to see our airport showcasing beloved local concepts and nationally recognized brands,” says Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “America’s Friendliest Airport truly is America’s Tastiest Airport with the abundance of offerings travelers will find in the Airport terminals. It’s rewarding to be able to create opportunities for local and small businesses to come together and succeed.”

Share On: