OHM Concessions Group Wins Historic FAB Award for The BBQ Experience at the new Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Barcelona, Spain – July 8, 2025 – Silhouette Design Architecture is thrilled to congratulate OHM Concessions Group as The BBQ Experience at the new Kansas City International Airport has been named Best Airport Casual Dining Restaurant in the World at the FAB + Hospitality Awards in Barcelona- the first-ever American restaurant to receive this honor. This historic win represents a milestone in the long-time collaboration between OHM Concessions Group and Silhouette Design Architecture.
The award recognized The BBQ Experience among airports worldwide under 20 million passengers annually, with Kansas City beating out top restaurants from across the U.S. and eleven other countries to claim the title.
The restaurant, designed by Silhouette Design Architecture along with several other award-winning hospitality spaces as part of Kansas City’s New Terminal Expansion, hosts the Made For KC BBQ Championship, where pitmasters from across the region compete for the chance to become the “pitmaster-in-residence.” The winning team runs the airport restaurant for the year, sharing their craft with travelers from around the world. This unique program not only celebrates Kansas City’s barbecue heritage but also supports local culinary talent, giving new pitmasters a platform to build their brand and reach new audiences.
A design rooted in Kansas City’s barbecue culture
Silhouette Design Architecture led the design and project management for The BBQ Experience, creating a space that immerses travelers in Kansas City’s barbecue culture from the moment they step inside. Warm woods, rich industrial textures, glowing embers in design features, and reclaimed finishes reflect the authenticity, craft, and community spirit that define Kansas City barbecue.
“Our goal was to create an environment where travelers can truly experience Kansas City’s barbecue competition scene,” said Tara Carmichael, Design Principal at Silhouette Design Architecture. “With the first-of-its-kind smokehouse inside the airport, along with the rich aromas, authentic flavors, and cultural touchpoints throughout the space, we wanted every element to tell the story of Kansas City’s barbecue heritage. This design doesn’t just support the Made For KC pitmaster program operationally – it captures its spirit in every detail.”
This award comes as the Chicago-based Silhouette Design Architecture is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Silhouette has most recently been recognized at the AXN Awards earlier this year, with their designs winning Best Bar Experience, Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept, and Best Local-Inspired Store, also won by The BBQ Experience.
Vantage Airport Group, which develops and manages the concessions program at MCI, spearheaded this Kansas City-focused project. Awarded the contract in 2022 by the Kansas City Department of Aviation (KCAD), Vantage collaborated closely with its operating partners and Silhouette Design Architecture to deliver a concessions program that celebrates local culture and has now achieved global recognition.