Des Moines International Airport is looking to set up a small bar/coffee/food operation on Concourse C and may pursue a new liquor license that would allow you to wander both concourses with your wine, beer and alcohol. 

Kevin Foley, the airport’s executive director and general manager, said the main goal is to get food and beverages closer to the gates for convenience. He said he doubts anyone will be serving beer in plastic cups like they do in the French Quarter in New Orleans for portability, but he knows some passengers will wander with their beers as they did when the airport had a temporary to-go station with limited seating in the middle of the concourses during construction of the new restaurants.

The change would cause a problem with the current liquor license. So the airport has asked the city to change the zoning to allow alcohol throughout the concourses, and will likely pursue the stadium-style liquor license that would be required, too, should the Airport Authority Board approve the change, Foley said. The city Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled to consider the proposal Nov. 20. 

Foley said airports around the country are moving away from concentrating all the food and beverage operations in a central area. Passengers want the services close to their gate. And there would not be much seating at the Concourse C outlet.

The Des Moines airport’s long lines for coffee at Friedrichs near the security lanes, even at 5 or 6 a.m., show the need, Foley said, adding that many don’t realize nearby Portermill restaurant serves coffee, too.