Stockyards prepares for take-off at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is thrilled to welcome new food, beverage and retail provider Stockyards. 

Inspired by the people who make Waterloo Region what it is today, Stockyards celebrates everything the community has to offer.  Construction of “Stockyards at YKF” is currently underway, and scheduled to open in late spring 2024. The space will feature a licensed sit down dining area, grab and go options and retail merchandise located within the departures lounge.

“This partnership with Stockyards will further elevate the passenger experience at YKF as we continue to invest in our airport,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “YKF will bolster our economic future and the overall quality of life here in Waterloo Region. We are thrilled to welcome Stockyards, a company with deep local roots, and look forward to what is next as we continue to grow.”

Guided by passenger survey data, the Region of Waterloo began a search for a food, beverage and retail vendor that would provide an exceptional airport experience. The request for proposal (RFP) asked for affordable healthy food and beverages. Stockyards exceeded the RFP criteria by proposing a world-class airport dining experience, including the creation of YKF-branded coffee and light beer.

“My roots run deep in this community,” said Ryan Lloyd-Craig, Chief Operating Officer of Stockyards. “I have lived in Waterloo Region for a long time and have watched YKF transform from a flying club to an international airport. Now we have an opportunity to champion what makes our community stand out from the crowd – we have access to the best fresh local ingredients in the country and we are going to use them to create an unforgettable experience. 

Stockyards will bring the combined expertise of Graffiti Market, Stockyards Coffee and Stockyards Breweries to YKF. Originally established in 2018 by the Huber and Schlegel families, the Stockyards team takes pride in keeping cultivation and sustainability at the core of what they do - supporting the farms and farmers that make fresh affordable produce available locally. Leveraging their relationships established through the St. Jacobs Farmers Market, the team will create an affordable menu, fueled by hyper-local farm-to-table suppliers.

“Our entire team are excited by the opportunity YKF represents,” said Willy Huber, Chairman of Stockyards. “We are drawing on our lived experience to build an offering that will leave a lasting impression on passengers travelling through the airport. We want to celebrate our Region’s heritage and diversity with flavour profiles and products that reflect our community. We are fortunate to live in such a vibrant community and excited to showcase our world-class farm-to-table supply chain by offering affordable, healthy options to travellers.”

YKF continues to be the fastest-growing airport in Canada. The success of commercial service increased passenger volumes to 445,312 in 2023.

Flair Airlines, Sunwing and WestJet provide scheduled air service to Calgary, Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando Sanford, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Vancouver and Varadero. The summer 2024 schedule includes the return of Abbotsford, Charlottetown, Deer Lake, Halifax, Edmonton, St. Johns and Winnipeg. In addition, Air Canada will offer Landline service to Toronto connecting to 140+ destinations worldwide starting May 1, 2024. For more information visit www.waterlooairport.ca or contact your travel agent.

About YKF:

The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is a full-service facility that supports commercial, corporate and general aviation. YKF is owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario (Canada). For more information visit waterlooairport.ca.

About Stockyards:

Stockyards is dedicated to providing high-quality, handcrafted beverages that satisfy the diverse tastes of our customers. With a commitment to innovation, quality ingredients, and exceptional flavour, we strive to elevate the drinking experience for every consumer. For more information visit www.stockyardsbeverage.co

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