Onsite News in Terminal C leads lineup of award-winning PHL merchants
PHILADELPHIA — April 25, 2025 — A big year deserves a big celebration. Fittingly, the National Constitution Center’s Grand Hall is where PHL Food & Shops gathered on Thursday, April 24, to commemorate another year of big accomplishments with its annual awards program, the Merchant of the Year celebration.
This year’s namesake award, the “2025 Merchant of the Year,” was awarded to Terminal C’s Onsite News, operated by Terri and Sandy Roberts — one of PHL’s top retailers for travel essentials, souvenirs and in-the-moment convenience. Onsite News’ over-and-above approach to frictionless passenger experiences and service with a smile earned its team the marquee trophy of the night.
Shopping and Dining at PHL: Bigger and Better All the Time
From myriad ribbon cuttings and a multitude of special events to the continued expansion of Founded in Philly — PHL Food & Shops’ initiative bringing iconic local brands into the airport — there was no shortage of ‘big’ things to toast at the PHL’s annual merchant community gala.
The Go Big mantra of the night was a nod to the major initiatives already underway and on the 2026 horizon for PHL and Philadelphia related to next year’s Semiquincentennial. As touched on by city representative Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia 2026 Director, who served as keynote speaker for the celebration … there’s rarely been a bigger year than 2026 upcoming.
With traffic at Philly’s airport expected to peak ahead of and during the 2026 Semiquincentennial milestones — including major events from FIFA, NCAA, PGA, MLB, and more — interest and energy are escalating across the region.
PHL Food & Shops will join the excitement of next year with its own series of events and announcements, including more ‘Founded in Philly’ branded openings, such as Federal Donuts & Chicken, Oyster House, Middle Child and others.
“Our community of merchants ‘Go Big’ every day, with the enthusiasm, dedication and innovation they bring to the airport,” said Mel Hannah, Vice President and General Manager of MarketPlace PHL. “We recognize their huge achievements in 2025, and we’re proud to keep that momentum going as we head into 2026.”
“As we prepare for some of the biggest moments in Philly’s history, our world-class airport and its merchants play a key role in setting the tone,” said Kate Sullivan, Chief Commercial Officer at PHL. “We are proud of their accomplishments and eager to see their success continue to flourish amid all the 2026 opportunities. Congratulations to all our merchants on another phenomenal year.”
In addition to Merchant of the Year, a select and stellar list of shops and restaurant operators at PHL earned recognition at the 2025 Merchant of the Year event. A full list of honorees from the 2025 celebration appears below.
Merchant of the Year
- Onsite News
- Terminal C
Outstanding Quick-Service Restaurant of the Year
- Gachi Sushi & Noodles
- Terminal E
Outstanding Full-Service Restaurant of the Year
- Chickie’s & Pete’s
- Terminal E
Outstanding Specialty Retail of the Year
- Brooks Brothers
- B/C Connector
Outstanding Guest Experience
- Kiehl’s
- Terminal F
Manager of the Year
- Eric Hill
- OTG
- Paul Porter
- Chickie’s & Pete’s
MarketPlace PHL Achievement Award
- Brian English
- Michelle Robinson Design
- Cara Irizarry
- Administrative Assistant
Above & Beyond Award
- Soumia Ben Heddi
- Avolta
Marketplace PHL has been developing and operating the award-winning PHL Food & Shops program that includes more than 170 in-line stores, restaurants and services for over a quarter century.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo of PHL’s Onsite News team accepting the 2025 Merchant of the Year award at the annual celebration is embedded in this release.
ABOUT MARKETPLACE PHL
MarketPlace PHL, LLC, is the private partner with the City of Philadelphia in the management of the food and retail programs throughout Philadelphia International Airport. The award-winning program offers more than 170 shops, restaurants and services. The MarketPlace PHL portfolio features local Philly favorites, as well as regional and national brands. MarketPlace PHL, LLC, is a partnership between MarketPlace Development, a Boston-based airport retail development firm, and LeJeune & Associates, a Philadelphia-based retail development, management and consulting firm. For more information, visit PHLfoodandshops.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Griffin HornerFor MarketPlace PHL
484-683-5980
griffin@hornercom.com
