Airport News

SSP America, an operator of food and beverage brands in global travel locations, has been awarded a 10-year, US$316m contract by the Houston Airport System to develop and operate 14 units over 19,200ft2 at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Mario C Diaz, Houston aviation director, commented, “The new concessions increase the variety of food, beverage and retail offerings [and] provide more and higher quality choices for the consumer.

"They offer the best in local, regional, national and international concepts – a very important point with our growing number of international travelers – and still create a sense of place that is uniquely Houston.”

Michael Svagdis, president and CEO of SSP America, said, “IAH had a record breaking year in 2014 increasing its passenger total by 3.6% – a historic high for the airport. Last year’s success is an indicator for the airport’s future. As the Houston Airport System works to meet the demand its ongoing growth will bring, SSP America has delivered a winning line-up of brands that generate jobs and highlight local entrepreneurs.

"And, even though the procurement requirements stipulated that we could only win one package, we were extremely proud to have received the highest scores for both food and beverage packages (1 and 2). With our local partners and the airport, we look forward to developing an extraordinary passenger experience for one of the finest airport programs in the world.”

SSP America’s line-up includes: Tony’s Wine Cellar & Bistro in Terminal D; The Breakfast Klub situated in Terminal A North; Hubcap Grill located in Terminal A South; Café Adobe, Hard Rock Café, Freshii and La Brea in Terminal B; Yogurtology and Pink’s Pizza in Terminal C South; Qdoba in Terminal A North and South; Wendy’s in Terminal A South; and Subway in Terminals A and C. The new outlets will open throughout 2016.