Airport rules aren't right (says one company)

Tampa International Airport will welcome a more local flair when new restaurants, shops and bars join the airport's $1 billion expansion.

But one local company isn't happy about missing out.

Of the 65 new companies approved by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board, none of them come from Bloomin' Brands Inc., the corporate owner of popular restaurant brands like Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba's Italian Grill.

The board instead went with names that might not be as recognized on a national scale, like downtown Tampa's Mise En Place and Louis Pappas Fresh Greek. It will be sprinkled with some larger brands as well, like Hard Rock Cafe — the chain's first North American airport location.

Airside C, the airport's busiest terminal, will be almost completely local, including RumFish Grill, which will partner with the Florida Aquarium to maintain a large fish tank filled with indigenous species. There also will be room for popular sports bar Ducky's, Burger 21, Ulele and Columbia Restaurant.

Bloomin' Brands has reason to be upset about this loss. The aviation authority estimates its concessions redevelopment program could be worth $1.3 billion in gross sales over the next decade. Even for a company with a company with $4.4 billion in revenues last year, it's still a contract that would've made a very g'day for shareholders.