New Spokane Concessions Contracts to Yield $1M Annually

Feb. 6, 2007
HMS Host and The Paradies Shops shared $18 million renovation tab. Contracts run until 2018.

The new food, beverage and retail concessions opened just weeks ago at Spokane International Airport will return about $1 million to the airport this year, an airport official said Thursday.

Todd Woodard, the airport's director of marketing and public relations, said HMS Host, primary food and beverage provider, will pay a minimum of $586,000 and The Paradies Shops, primary retailer, will pay at least $380,000 for their respective operating rights.

Both groups are under contract through Jan. 31, 2018.

Together, they shared the $18 million tab to remodel and expand restaurants and shops opened in time for the Jan. 21 start of the State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships, held for the first time in Spokane.

Woodard said the concessionaires' combined workforce of about 130 will account for about a $4 million annual payroll. That's twice as many employees on the payroll under the former concessionaire, known now as Delaware North Companies.

HMS Host leases 15,362-square-feet of space for a total of 10 food and beverage spots, including David's Pizza, Chili's too and Quiznos subs. The Paradies Shops has 8,296 square feet filled by Simply Northwest, Auntie's Bookstore, a pair of travel marts, Spokane News Xpress and others.

It's too early to predict total sales figures. But Gregg Paradies, president and CEO of The Paradies Shops, said the retail side experienced its biggest day Jan. 28, as skating fans flew home at the end of the eight-day competition.

"The size, assortments of retail, food and beverage is as strong as any airport this size in the country and rivals a lot of them," said Paradies, during a tour of the rotunda Thursday afternoon.

He joined airport officials in welcoming 450 guests, from contractors to travel agents and regional movers and shakers, at a reception that showcased the stores and restaurants and raised money for the American Red Cross.

SIDEBAR:

CONCESSIONAIRES

*HMS Host operates 10 food and beverage outlets, all beyond security checkpoints.

*The Paradies Shops has eight retail shops, six behind security posts, and two open to all.

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