Lansdowne, VA, May 17 2012: SSP America, the North American division of SSP, the leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide is proud to announce today its 10 year, $800 million contract with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport that will bring the diverse culinary arts of Phoenix’s most celebrated restaurants, coffee houses, burger joints, pizza parlors, bakeries, breweries, taquerias and wine bars to passengers traveling to and from Terminal 4 in “America’s Friendliest Airport”.
Commenting on the news, Andrew Lynch, Group CEO of SSP, said: “Phoenix Sky Harbor is an airport that truly values its customers and the concession programs that serve them. We are honored to be delivering a portfolio that is not only reflective of their reputation for outstanding service, but one that also exemplifies the extraordinary diversity and quality of Phoenix’s cuisine. This is an extremely important step for SSP as we look to replicate the success and dominance of our European business in the exciting and ever-evolving North American market.”
With over 40,000,000 annual passengers,PhoenixSkyHarborInternationalAirportis one of the top ten busiest airports in the nation for passenger traffic and number 23 in the world. The airport boasts a direct, $90 million daily impact on the greater Phoenix economy and supports over 30,000 jobs.
Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4 serves an estimated 80 percent of the airport’s passenger traffic and is home to national carriers, Southwest, AirTran, US Airways and WestJet as well as international airlines Aeromexico, Air Canada and British Airways. First opened in 1990, the Terminal has seven concourses with additional room for growth.
“We are excited to offer high quality local flavors and new dining options to our customers,” said Tamie Fisher, Acting Assistant Aviation Director.
To meet the diverse and growing needs of Terminal 4 while remaining faithful to the airport’s vision of offering passengers world-class services that reflect a true taste of Phoenix, SSP America has created an impressive portfolio that includes 18 unique, Phoenix area-based local businesses. The mix also includes five national brands that are easily recognizable on the streets of Phoenix.
SSP America’s team of outstanding operators includes:
Zinc Bistro – named by Food and Wine Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Bistros in North America”, Phoenix-born Chef Matt Carter has created a taste ofParis in theArizona desert.
Lola Coffee – local artisan roaster, Daniel Wayne, serves freshly roasted organic coffees, latte art and in-house baked goods in a hip local hangout with a fresh, modern vibe.
Tammie Coe Cakes – Tammie Coe’s signature cakes and pastries have a way of turning any moment into a joyous occasion.
Four Peaks Brewing Company - Jim Scussel and his partners deliver great local beer in a non-typical bar hangout.
Delux Burger – nationally acclaimed gourmet burger bar by owner Lenny Rosenberg serving all-natural, Niman Ranch beef burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts.
Pei Wei – nationally famous pan-Asian cuisine, serving delicious dishes from five cultures: China,Japan,Thailand,Korea andVietnam.
Humble Pie - one of the great pizza companies ofPhoenix serving ‘wood-fired’ pizzas with unique and traditional ingredients in an approachable setting.
Wildflower Bread Company – owner Louis Basile’sArizona breads are kneaded and shaped by hand using aSan Francisco starter and a steam infused baking process.
Panda Express – theUnited States’ leader in Chinese fast-casual restaurants. “Hot, fresh and ready when you are” – Panda Express is the perfect option for busy travelers on the go.
Nocawich – is the dream of Eliot Wexler. NOCA, derived from “North of Camelback” is the genesis for this award winning sandwich sensation.
Matt’s Big Breakfast – owners Matt and Erenia Pool of the locally owned and nationally acclaimed restaurant believe that food tastes better when prepared simply with better ingredients.
MidCity Kitchen - is the newest restaurant from Chef Michael DeMaria, committed to serving the freshest, most delicious food available, while meeting customers’ fast-paced lifestyle.
Sweet Republic – artisan ice cream, made with milk and cream from independent Arizona dairy farms, and hand-stirred using the finest, freshest, all-natural ingredients.
Wendy’s - the world's third largest hamburger fast food chain where founder Dave Thomas’s motto of “Quality is our recipe” is honored daily by using select, premium ingredients and serving food that's made fresh with every order.
Peet’s Coffee & Tea - offers a superior and distinctive range of coffees brewed from only the highest quality beans from around the world as well as high-quality herbal, certified organic and rare teas.
Los Taquitos – started as a homegrown Mexican food truck in downtown Phoenix in 1981 by the Ochoa family, the company’s success has been built by serving truly authentic, great tasting Mexican food using only the freshest ingredients.
Joe’s Real BBQ – based in Gilbert, Arizona, Joe Johnston and Tim Peelen’s BBQ joint offers real food - barbecue slow cooked over pecan wood and equally delicious side dishes and desserts.
Yogurtology – known to “yogurt connoisseurs” throughout thePhoenix metro area, Yogurtology serves nutritious frozen yogurt and deliciously fresh toppings set in a self-serve environment.
America’s Taco Shop – home to the greatest “Carne Asada in the Valley”, owners America Corrales and her husband Terry are faithful toAmerica’s mother’s recipes fromCuliacán,Mexico.
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles - owned by Larry "Lo-Lo" White, the grandson of Mrs. White, owner of Phoenix landmark Mrs. White's Golden Rule Café, Larry’s fried chicken and golden brown waffles are considered the best soul food in the Valley.
Culver’s ButterBurgers & Frozen Custard – home of the famous “ButterBurger”, Culver’s mantra has always been “Don’t mess with quality”. Recently named “Best Burger Chain inAmerica,” Culver’s has eight locations inPhoenix, and over 400 across the nation.
Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar - routinely voted one of the best wine bars in Phoenix, and recently recognized by Bon Appetit Magazine as one of the “50 Hottest Restaurants in theUS”, Cheuvront offers an extensive wine list, artisan cheese selection and a unique and eclectic menu.
SSP America’s new culinary concepts will be arriving in Terminal 4 throughout 2013.
About SSP
SSP is the leading dedicated provider of food and beverage brands in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafés, food courts, lounges and convenience stores in airports, train stations, motorway service stations and other leisure locations. With a heritage stretching back over 60 years, today SSP has 30,000 employees, serving over a million customers every day. It has business at over 140 airports and over 250 rail stations, and operates more than 2,100 units in 30 countries around the world.
SSP operates an extensive portfolio of over 200 international, national, local and speciality brands. These include Upper Crust, Starbucks, Caffè Ritazza, Burger King, M&S Simply Food, Millies Cookies, O’Learys, Caviar House & Prunier, and leading Asian brands Ajisen Ramen and Saboten, as well as stunning bespoke concepts such as the Montreux Jazz Café in Geneva and the award winning Center Bar at Zurich.
Its brand portfolio is tailored for each specific location, depending on variables such as passenger profile, consumer need states, location type, size and design.
About SSP America/SSP Canada
SSP America operates in more than 40 airports across North America bringing a variety of local, regional and national brands to the traveling consumer at a vast array of price ranges. Third party brands in the company’s broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Gordon Biersch, Panda Express, Tigín, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, T.G.I. Friday’s, Tim Hortons, The Great American Bagel and Buffalo Wild Wings. SSP America’s brand portfolio also includes strong, local award-winning icons such as Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, Harry & Izzy’s, Nonna Bartolotta’s, and Mill Street Brewery Pub.
