Nomad Opens at the Thunder Bay International Airport
By Nancy Saunders
Nomad opens this month in the departure lounge of the Thunder Bay International Airport, offering the deliciously creative fare we’ve come to expect from talented and industrious pair Nikos Mantis and Shawna Deagle. The two started Pinetree Catering in January 2013, Local Motion food truck in August 2013, and The Sapling Bakery in March 2017, and are productive contributors to Thunder Bay’s impressive and expanding local food scene.
Nomad is part of the airport’s greater expansion and upgrade to the departure lounge, and has been almost two years in the works. Its aesthetic is pleasantly northern, conveying the beauty of the local environment through “natural wood finishes in birch and maple, stone and slate features, and a palette of fresh, vibrant greens,” says Mantis.
(L-R) Tavia Brereton, Megan Paxton, Vimal Vijayakumar, Errol Hoeppner, Shawna Deagle, and Nikos Mantis
A “grab-and-go” food service and café, Nomad is open 365 days a year between 4 am and 9 pm. Its offerings deliciously check all the boxes, from breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert to coffee, tea, snacks, and drinks. “Parfaits made from local yogurt and granola, a bagel bar, local cheese and fruit plates, and hot oatmeal” are among the early morning choices, says Mantis. Those who love the Sapling Bakery’s artisanal breads and spreads sold at the Thunder Bay Country Market will be pleased to find familiar fare, as well as additional fine baking including danishes and scones. Throughout the day, choices featuring Pinetree and Local Motion flavours include a pesto chicken and pea shoot wrap; a pastrami, chili Gouda, and sauerkraut sandwich on a house baked rye roll; a smoked trout poke roll; a tofu poke bowl; a variety of salads, and local charcuterie. Coffee is from St Paul Roastery and Rose N Crantz Roasting Company.
Opening just in time for the busy holiday season, Nomad also offers several local retail products including Prime Gelato, Bay Meats, Heartbeat Hot Sauce, Chocolate Cow, locally roasted coffee beans, and retail swag from Ungalli and others—meaning you no longer have to worry about safely stowing these items in a checked bag! Nomad is also licensed and serves Sleeping Giant Brewery craft beers, single serve canned wines, and single serve premixed drinks.
With over 1000 daily passengers passing through the departure lounge, Nomad is poised to introduce Thunder Bay’s unique flavours, favourites, and culture to a wide-ranging and captive audience, giving them a delicious parting gift as they leave our great city.
