TRG Concessions partners with Russel Joffe to launch California-inspired concept: The Restaurant Group (TRG) Concessions has partnered with Giraffe founder Russel Joffe to launch casual dining concept Sonoma. The table service concept, based on the “relaxed, fun and vibrant” dining style of California’s premier wine region, will open in Gatwick airport’s North Terminal in time for the Easter holidays. It is designed to “meet the demands of modern airport travellers” through its menu, internal design and technology with “pay at table” capabilities, a click-and-collect partnership, and digital menu and foodservice time displays at the entrance. The 6,500 square foot space will have 300 covers in the restaurant as well as a dedicated bar with wine on tap and a selection of craft beer and spirits. It will also feature an open kitchen. Sonoma represents a large investment from TRG Concessions, amounting to close to £3m, and is expected to serve more than one million passengers a year, replacing both the Garfunkel’s and Armadillo restaurants. Nick Ayerst, managing director of TRG Concessions, said: “We are delighted to have retained this restaurant space within Gatwick North Terminal and excited to introduce this fresh new concept to Gatwick’s passengers. It has been a fantastic development process and collaboration with such a skilled and experienced restaurateur as Russel Joffe. Sonoma will bring a unique family dining offer to North Terminal, catering to different dietary requirements and bringing together current food and drink trends as well as offering the favourites we know are well loved in this space.” Joffe added: “I am delighted to work with TRG Concessions again in bringing a new and fresh all-day dining concept to North Terminal.  Having operated airport restaurants with TRG for more than 15 years, I understand the needs of business and leisure travellers and Sonoma will deliver high quality and great value dishes in a unique environment.” Rachel Bulford, head of retail at Gatwick, said: “North Terminal is going through a significant period of transition and the opening of Sonoma is an exciting milestone in that development. It has been great working with TRG on bringing this innovative restaurant concept to life. We have an impressive array of food and beverage outlets in place at Gatwick but Sonoma succeeds in offering something new for our passengers.”