LAS VEGAS -- Terminal three at McCarran International Airport opens next summer, but the real estate inside the airport is almost as busy as what's happening on the runways. That's where local and national companies are vying to set up shop.
They run the gamut from local shops already in business selling candy, clothing and trinkets to restaurateurs hoping to open a new hot spot in the new terminal or D gates.
"Every gate at the airport, I think, is like its own little micro-economy because you definitely won't get the same people in terminal three that you get out in D gates," said Todd Coons with Objet D'Art.
"It's an opportunity to increase revenue and also give my employees back their hours that have been hurt," said Rhonda Ivie with Las Vegas Sweets.
McCarran's real estate is valuable because 40 million people walk the halls every year. That's why Coons wants to set up a store selling trinkets in the D gates, even though he already has a store in the new terminal three.
He and other local business owners attended a meeting Friday to learn about the proposal process, what to include, when to submit it and how it works. Most want the open spots in the coveted D gates, but airport and county officials have specific standards for who gets in.
"If we can have things that reflect the community and the composure of the people that live here, it shows Las Vegas in a better light. It shows Las Vegas in an accurate light, as well, and we want the airport to be that way," said Chris Jones with McCarran.
The Clark County Commission has the ultimate decision on who gets in and who doesn't. It's all about the proposal -- what the store or restaurant is selling, what the price point is and how much are they willing to pay. Rent is negotiable.
