Travellers departing from Piarco International Airport this month will find a new spot in the departure lounge: the Airplane Mode Bar and Grab N Go.

Airplane Mode, part of the LA5 Hospitality Group, is located in the Airside West departure lounge near gates 1-7. It serves as a sister location to the well-known Buzz Bar in the Airside East departure lounge near gates 8-14.

Airplane Mode, offering a selection of food and premium beverages, is now open to travellers.

Throughout September, it will feature special promotions for its grand opening and the group’s anniversary.

The LA5 Hospitality Group began in September 2014 in Trinidad and Tobago with a single entertainment outlet at One Woodbrook Place (OWP). Its flagship brand, Buzz Bar, opened on the promenade level of OWP in March 2015.

Since then, the group has expanded steadily, adding outlets in key locations and establishing itself in the country’s hospitality scene.

To mark its tenth anniversary, the original Buzz Bar at OWP has been rebranded and redesigned as ONE BAR.

“Ten years ago, we recognised an opportunity to create something new at One Woodbrook Place. Buzz Bar was designed to be that cool and cosy after-work liming spot, where young, trendy professionals could enjoy quality food and drinks, network, and relax in a safe space conveniently surrounded by other services and entertainment. Over the years, it became exactly that,” managing director Bjorn Rezende said.

“This year, as we celebrate a decade of that success, we want to honour and build upon this achievement in a meaningful and lasting way—one that ensures the space remains vibrant and relevant for the next decade to come. That vision gave rise to the concept of ONE BAR,” Rezende said.

Today, LA5 operates five locations, employing over 125 staff members to serve both loyal and new customers.

According to Rezende, each venue is carefully designed to showcase its own identity while upholding the company’s commitment to quality and operational excellence.

From stylish sit-down restaurants to lively bars and convenient grab-and-go outlets in busy airports and malls, LA5 offers concepts that appeal to a broad range of tastes and preferences, he said.

“At the heart of LA5’s success is our passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences by providing exceptional food, beverages and service. With a growing team of dedicated employees, the company prides itself on fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. LA5’s team is driven by a shared belief that great hospitality starts with great people, and this philosophy guides everything we do,” Rezende said.

Renovations on the newly revamped ONE BAR were completed at the end of August, with the venue officially reopening on September 2.

The refreshed space features a new colour scheme, additional lounge furniture, a photo-op wall, and ambient lighting to enhance the atmosphere.

Building on its first decade, the LA5 Hospitality Group said it will continue its mission to create memorable experiences through a growing portfolio of food, beverage, and entertainment concepts.

The company said its operations and decisions are guided by its core values: Guest First, Integrity, Passion, Teamwork, Innovation, and Excellence.

Amid regional economic fluctuations driven by global challenges, the hospitality industry remains a resilient sector for those offering quality products and services, and for those able to adapt to evolving trends.

LA5 believes its board strikes the right balance of experienced restaurateurs, innovative young talent, and successful entrepreneurs to steer and expand the company’s portfolio.

“As LA5 looks to the future, its commitment to excellence remains unwavering. From the kitchen to the bar to the boardroom, the company aims to deliver excellence at every touchpoint, every single day. With its sights set on continued growth and innovation, the LA5 Hospitality Group has become a leader in the hospitality industry, providing unforgettable experiences for guests and opportunities for its team members to thrive. In keeping with this ethos, this month, the group is also launching its website located at www.la5hospitalitygroup.com and will shepherd its portfolio of brands from this online portal, alongside their individual social media pages on various platforms,” it stated.