To provide more of a customer-friendly environment, Economy Rent A Car has remodeled its location near Orlando International Airport.

As of December, the updated car rental and airport parking facility includes new light fixtures and more of a modern décor, but the standout addition is a customized coffee shop for customers.

“We don’t want to be a rundown off-airport parking company where you just leave your car and come back,” says Clark Girges, president of Signature Airport Parking & Economy Rent A Car and a biomedical science major at the University of Central Florida. “We want to provide affordable parking and rental cars but also include extra features.”

Described as doing things “over the top” — such as providing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for its airport shuttles — Girges wants to make sure all customers enjoy their overall experience at his facility.

“Adding the coffee shop ties everything together and provides a welcoming environment,” says Girges. “Buying coffee is a good start to a trip. As people are waiting, why not get a drink before they head out?”

Before joining the Economy brand in July 2014, Girges’ independent car rental/airport parking company Signature Rent-A-Car was located in an Orlando hotel with only one desk and 30 to 50 rental cars.

By partnering with Economy, Girges’ company — now known as Signature Economy — has already expanded from 30 cars to more than 300 cars.

“Since we joined Economy, Alan Wagner, director of affiliate services, has been a mentor and a friend. He has provided me with great information. I would also like to thank Alejandro Muniz, the president of Economy, for giving us the opportunity to represent Economy Rent A Car in Orlando,” says Girges.

Signature Economy recently moved into a new building about two miles from the Orlando Airport, which includes 1,000 parking spots.

Customized Coffee Shop

With more space in the new facility, Girges wanted to create an “all-in-one” place for customers to rent a car, park their car and grab a quick coffee or snack.

By hiring baristas for the coffee shop, the drink choices aren’t limited to a regular cup of Joe from an espresso machine. Customers can order lattes, mochas and tea. The coffee shop will offer food items, such as pastries and desserts, as well as a display case with bottled drinks and premade wraps from outside vendors.

Additionally, the coffee shop can be used to further display customer appreciation. When a customer has to wait longer than expected, the company will offer a pastry or drink on the house, says Girges.

Modern Feel

The modern parking, car rental and coffee shop facility is something that Girges is looking to do as his company expands in the future.

From the modern building to using mobile apps to check in vehicles, the company’s contemporary feel also shows in its fleet. Described as “different and modern,” Economy’s fleet is made up of all brand-new vehicles, including Volkswagen Jettas, Nissan Versas and Infiniti Q50 and QX60 luxury vehicles, according to Girges.

“We want to be a premier parking and rental facility,” says Girges. “We do things differently, a good difference.”