Affordable chain restaurants move in, making Taoyuan Airport no longer “shockingly expensive”

By Chi Bing-hui, compiled and reported

The general impression of airport food is that it’s both pricey and comes in tiny portions, leading to public complaints for years. But now, that’s about to change. The food court at Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport, operated by President Chain Store Corp., has officially launched its trial operation starting today. The 800-ping space welcomes brands such as McDonald’s, COLD STONE, 7-ELEVEN, STARBUCKS, Chun Shui Tang, and Dian Xiao Yue Dan Zai Mian, while emphasizing prices on par with those of regular outlets. Travelers no longer have to worry about shocking price markups, marking a new chapter in Taiwan’s airport dining services.

Xu Zhong-ren, General Manager of President Chain Store Corp., stated that the President Chain Retail Subsidiary Group is actively entering various commercial areas—from railway transportation (Taiwan Railways and Taiwan High Speed Rail), highway service areas (Dongshan and Rende), tourist spots (Qingjing, Alishan, Kenting Bay), to last year's groundbreaking move of establishing the first-ever 7-ELEVEN store within a Taiwanese airport. Over the past decade, this initiative has driven the growth of over 100 brands and serves 32 million consumers annually. The international food court at Taoyuan International Airport emphasizes a concept of “Taiwan Impressions, Global Connection,” and aims to elevate Taiwan’s service industry while creating a brand-new image for Taiwanese airports.

President Chain Store Corp. specially hired the Taipei Hankyu Space Design team to oversee the hardware planning. The main price range for dining options is set between NT$100 and NT$200, and service hours have been extended. Aside from 7-ELEVEN operating 24/7, the business hours for Starbucks and McDonald’s have also been lengthened (starting from 5:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. respectively), along with free 7-WIFI internet service. To celebrate the trial launch, customers spending NT$300 or more will receive an OPEN 小将 Taiwan-travel-themed phone charm. Foreign visitors will also receive a free 7-Mobile prepaid SIM card from President Chain Store Corp., and other brands are offering promotions too—so be sure to take advantage.