Pasha’s wants airport restaurant decision reversed

Mediterranean restaurant chain Pasha’s is taking on Miami International Airport after losing out in a bid to open a location there.

Pasha’s representatives are asking county commissioners to make the airport reconsider the decision to award the Terminal D lease to Ice Box earlier this year, the Miami Herald reported. Ice Box is an upscale café known for a chocolate cake Oprah Winfrey declared to be her favorite. It already operates a restaurant at the airport and would create a new concept called The Mediterranean Kitchen at the Terminal D location.

Bid-protest hearing officer Charles Edelstein declined Pasha’s appeal in January but blasted airport officials for not choosing a restaurant specializing in Mediterranean food, a requirement in the bidding process.

Ice Box is committed to pay at least $320,000 in annual rent, while Pasha’s only offered $180,000. Deputy Mayor Jack Osterholt cited the rent discrepancy as a primary reason for the airport’s choice. [Miami Herald] — Eric Kalis