A major Wisconsin brewing company is now catering to travelers at Mitchell Airport



MILWAUKEE -- A taste of home when you leave -- and when you come back. A major Wisconsin brewing company will now cater to travelers at General Mitchell International Airport.

With the snip of scissors on Tuesday, June 28th, the "D" in Concourse D could have easily stood for delicious.

"It's really tremendous," said Dick Leinenkugel, president at Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company.

Leinenkugel, along with officials from HMS Host and General Mitchell International Airport on Tuesday celebrated the addition of the "Leinie Lodge."

"Hopefully it's gong to be the start of something new across the country," said Leinenkugel.



The unique lodge features self-serve beer taps. The concept is pretty simple: Just purchase a card from the cashier. For $6.99 you get 14 oz. worth of beer loaded up. Then, you can take it over to the tap machine and sample different flavors at your leisure.

"Our Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy is, of course, the number one selling summer seasonal beer in the United States. Our Leinenkugel's Wisconsin Red Pale Ale, available only here in Wisconsin on draft here," said Leinenkugel.

Travelers can now sip on the state's special brew and get an idea of what goes into the brand.



"We have some videos up on the wall as well, that you can learn a little more about the Leinekugel company that's been around since 1867," said Leinenkugel.

The lodge is replacing a sparse space where vending machines once stood.

Leinie Lodge



"We are going to be redeveloping the whole concessions program at the airport," said Ismael Bonilla, Mitchell International Airport director.

This collaboration is just the start of a taste bud overhaul, as the airport continues to step it up a notch.

"This is a very good beginning. We are looking at more local tastes, local offerings. That is something we will be looking at in the future," said Bonilla.

Leinie Lodge