The iconic Imperial beer eagle has landed at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), the main hub for air travel in Costa Rica. According to a news report published by business daily La Republica, beverage giant Florida Ice & Farm has taken the unusual step of opening an airport bar right across from boarding gate #9 at SJO.

The bar tentatively opened in early December, right before the holidays and a few days into the busy tourist season, but its formal opening was announced yesterday. In addition to pouring Imperial, the most iconic beer brand in Costa Rica, the new bar offers the full line of beers produced by Florida Ice & Farm, which include Bavaria, Pilsen and many others. It is important to note that the company also produces many non-alcoholic drinks such as fruit juices, which will also be served at this airport bar.

As reported by La Republica, the bar sports a stylish look accentuated by teak and other fine woods. The open floor plan measures about 90 square meters and can seat 46 thirsty passengers. As expected, patrons will also be able to purchase the ubiquitous t-shirts, keychains, mugs, baseball caps, and assorted beer souvenirs and paraphernalia branded with the Imperial logo.

Florida Ice & Farm regional director Rolando Carvajal explained:

“The Imperial Bar concept was created with the intent of delivering the full Costa Rica experience, and thus it is our duty to provide our essence, what is most representative of our ethos: the pura vida.”

In the past, the Imperial brewery has operated bars on a temporary basis at holiday fairs such as Zapote and Palmares. This SJO Imperial Bar will be the first they operate permanently.

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, Florida Ice & Farm is part of the Big Beer oligopoly. In recent years, the company has greatly expanded in the United States, where it controls and distributes the following beers:

• Labatt (U.S. only, not Canada)
• Genessee
• Portland
• Honey Brown
• Pyramid
• Magic Hat