Alaska’s Norton Sound Economic Development Corp. (NSEDC) this week opened the first Norton Sound Seafood House in Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and already there’s talk of opening more locations.
Operated by HMSHost Corp., the restaurant showcases the small-boat fishermen of Northwest Alaska and features salmon, halibut and red king crab from NSEDC fisheries. So far, the response from local fishermen has been very good, according to NSEDC President Dan Harrelson.
“HMSHost first approached us with the idea that the Anchorage airport needed a first-class dining facility, and they were interested in seafood. It piqued our interest right away, as far as being able to provide locally caught products to the restaurant,” said Harrelson.
“Local fishermen in the St. Lawrence islands fish halibut in the last open-skiff halibut fishery in the world. For them to bring home a boatload of halibut in their small skiff and get it shipped down to Anchorage and see it in restaurants makes the community fishermen very proud. That they’re able to have some income and see their product served in nice restaurants makes it extra special for them,” explained Harrelson.
The fishermen aren’t the only ones who are pleased. Customer feedback has been so positive that HMSHost is already looking at opening locations in as many as 40 airports, according to Harrelson.
“Local folks have raved about the quality of the food,” he said. “Showcasing our products in Anchorage to people traveling through the airport from the Lower 48 gives them a true taste of Alaska seafood.”
Created by celebrity chef Al Levinsohn, the Norton Sound Seafood House menu includes Chef Al’s Alaskan Crab Po Boy, Original Ale Battered Halibut Po Boy, Original Ale Battered Halibut and King Crab Cake Dinner.
Located on Concourse C, the 4,125-square-foot restaurant is designed to serve travelers both pre- and post-security, providing seating for 122 in the post-security main dining area and seating for 14 in the pre-security grab-and-go section.
“We look forward to the success of the restaurant, and hopefully all Alaskans will share in our pride when they see food caught in Alaska being shared with the whole world,” said Harrelson. “I think it will definitely help put [the Norton Sound brand] out there.”
