ATLANTA, GA – Global restaurateur HMSHost and the world’s largest full-service restaurant company, Darden Restaurants, have partnered to bring Darden’s famous LongHorn Steakhouse to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The restaurant opened on February 2nd in Concourse C. This is the first Darden restaurant that HMSHost will operate.
An Atlanta original and a local favorite, LongHorn will serve traveling guests fresh, never frozen, steaks that are boldly hand-seasoned and then expertly grilled on the restaurant’s hot steel flat top and open flame char grills. The restaurant’s welcoming team and warm, natural decor, that celebrates the rugged landscape of the American West, will provide guests with an inviting respite from the hustle and bustle of the world’s busiest airport. This partnership marks HMSHost as the first domestic franchisee to work with Darden.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with such a well-respected restaurant company as Darden,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “LongHorn Steakhouse has such a prominent sense of place in Atlanta, with years and years of local history, but also has the national recognition of a loved and trusted restaurant that serves great steaks. Atlanta-based travelers, and those just visiting on their way through, will all find a delicious meal at LongHorn Steakhouse, without having to leave the airport.“
“As Darden continues to grow, non-traditional locations hold intriguing possibilities for our brands,” said Terry Stanley, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Darden. “Darden remains committed to owning and operating its restaurants in traditional types of locations throughout the U.S. We believe the best way for us to expand into airports, however, is to select a terrific partner, such as HMSHost, that has expertise operating in airports and the commitment to delivering our brands with excellence. We look forward to learning from this initial location and exploring the potential for our other brands.”
LongHorn Steakhouse started in Atlanta’s Buckhead community in 1981, becoming a household name during the infamous “SnowJam” of January 1982. Since that time, LongHorn has brought its distinctive steaks like the signature Bone-in Outlaw Ribeye, Flo’s Filet and new 30 oz. Porterhouse for Two, as well as its cut-above steakhouse dining experience, to more communities across the country. Today, there are more than 400 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in 36 states. The restaurant also serves fresh chicken and fish, ribs that are slow roasted and hand basted, and fresh salads that are hand chopped and tossed to order.
About HMSHost
HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.7 billion and employs more than
30,000 sales associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. With sales of over €5.8 billion in 2011, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,800 people. It manages over 5,300 stores in more than 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.
About Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI), the world’s largest full-service restaurant company, owns and operates more than 2,000 restaurants that generate over $8.0 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and employing 185,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. In 2012, Darden was named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the second year in a row and is the only full-service restaurant company to ever appear on the list. Our restaurant brands – Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s and Yard House – reflect the rich diversity of those who dine with us. Our brands are built on deep insights into what our guests want. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.
