Sometimes, the quality of an airport can make or break a trip. Fortunately, Nashville's BNA contracted local powerhouse WellSpring Builders, to build out some quality eats, ensuring that your journey begins on the right foot. Founder and Co-Owner, Scott Patton gives us an inside look at WellSpring Builders' jet-setting project.
1. Scott, we know how impressive you are, not to mention talented, but we would love to know how this BNA project came about.
Fraport USA won the concessions contract with BNA in the summer of 2018. Shortly afterward, they began searching for local contractors who were interested in building out their 85 concessions spaces by conducting outreaches. We were contacted because we had a successful record of working at the airport, including the recent completion of the Operations and Maintenance Building at the fuel tank farm and the private terminal for Signature Flight. We let Fraport know that we were interested in their upcoming projects, and after prequalifying us, they began referring their tenants to us as a potential resource. We were awarded several of the initial projects and began work on our first spaces in early 2020.
2. We love that you have become, quite literally, the ultimate cornerstone of Nashville; can you elaborate on what part of the BNA project you are working on or worked on recently?
Inside the terminal, our most recent completions were ACME Feed & Seed, The Titans Pressbox, Kittyhawk Eat + Drink ft. Voodoo Doughnuts, Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and Half Moon Empanadas. Outside the terminal, we recently completed a 35,000 SF aircraft hangar. We are always looking for new opportunities to work at BNA.
3. Which restaurant was your favorite to assemble in BNA?
This is a little like asking me which of my kids is my favorite. Nevertheless, I’d have to say that ACME and Titans are my favorites to date. They are the first thing everyone sees after they pass through TSA, they are both great looking spaces, and they were opened successfully along with the Terminal T addition. There was a lot of pressure and a lot of celebration around that opening because the date had been marked on the calendar by the Airport Authority years in advance.
4. Relationships are the center of your business. Can you explain how this effort has led to projects out of state and across the country?
It is fair to say that I’m very proud of our team for the work they’ve completed at BNA, and the reputation they’ve developed for performing under pressure. The administrative and logistical challenges of working in the airport are unlike any we deal with elsewhere. Due to their commitment and hard work, we’ve been asked to consider working in airports across the U.S. We’re currently only considering one of those offers, as Nashville and middle Tennessee will always remain our priority.
5. Anything else you would love to share with our readers?
Simply put, I really love our airport. It’s a difficult but rewarding place to work. It’s right in our backyard, and I have a lot of respect for the board and the administration. As I fly other places, I really appreciate BNA for their planning, commitment to the passenger experience, and cleanliness.
www.wellspringbuilders.com
"As I fly other places, I really appreciate BNA for their planning, commitment to the passenger experience, and cleanliness," says Patton