SSP Canada has been awarded a new contract by Vancouver Airport Authority to develop and operate six food and beverage locations occupying approximately 14,230 square feet at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The restaurants will be located in the airport’s International Terminal and will include a mix of local as well as modern, world-class international and proprietary brands.
Michael Svagdis, president and CEO of SSP America, commented, “Vancouver International Airport is a world-class gateway committed to remaining a key driver for economic growth in the region by offering an extraordinary passenger experience that attracts travelers and businesses from around the globe. SSP’s portfolio has been tailor-made to meet YVR’s vision. Our mix includes local brands that showcase the area’s best culinary talent, keeping jobs and investment in the community, as well as brands that embrace emerging food trends with customizable menus full of fresh, bold-tasting ingredients. SSP has been operating at YVR since 2009, and we look forward to continuing our investment in that partnership.”
“YVR provides customers with the first and last impression of British Columbia. We are excited to welcome new food and beverage tenants who showcase the very best culinary talents of this region,” said Glenn McCoy, Senior Vice-President, Strategy & CFO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “The new food and beverage offerings will provide added options for our customers and will further enhance YVR’s award-winning concession program.”
SSP Canada’s new units include:
Lift Bar & Grill (Full Service Restaurant): Straight from its swank location on Coal Harbour, Lift Bar & Grill will be a chic little jewel in the International Departures area serving epicurean delights, international brews and the region’s finest wines—designed to attract, enchant and tickle travelers’ taste buds, all at the same time. Beautiful and stylish yet welcoming to all, Lift Bar & Grill’s inviting landscape will summon globetrotters with time between flights, early arrivals, and airport employees alike, all drawn to Lift’s alluring signature style and understated hint that suggests, “exceptional food and drinks within.”
The Taco Shack (Quick Service Restaurant): Over the last seven years, The Taco Shack has been serving its brand of fresh, California-style Mexican cuisine of popular beachside taco stands to Vancouver. The Taco Shack’s hip, built-for-speed setting, and streamlined menu of tacos, burritos and quesadillas, will draw passengers and airport employees alike—bringing a taste of beachside sunshine airside.
Pajo’s Fish & Chips (Quick Service Restaurant): Positioned at the pre-security food court in the International Terminal, passengers will make a beeline for the award-winning, “Best Fish & Chips” in the region—Pajo’s. With their 30-year history, progressive approach to green practices, Oceanwise seafood, locally sourced plates, and commitment to the wider regional community, Pajo’s Fish & Chips will be a star attraction of YVR’s pre-security food court.
Bánh Shop (Quick Service Restaurant): Serving traditional Vietnamese bánh mì street sandwiches, Bánh Shop will be a perfect introduction of the Bánh Shop brand into the Canadian market. Bánh mì are warm and crispy French baguettes, overflowing with sumptuous chargrilled pork, beef or chicken and combined with the bold flavors of Southeast Asia—Thai basil, cilantro, pickled vegetables and cool crisp cucumber. Positioned to appeal to a broad palate of Southeast Asian culinary influences, Bánh Shop brings a mouth-watering menu of Asian street foods packed up hot and fresh to go, or, enjoyed in an atmosphere reminiscent of a busy Asian market.
Urban Crave (Full Service Restaurant & Café): Recognizing early on that “street food” was enjoying a renaissance across North America, SSP created Urban Crave, a brand that brought the first “street eats” to the airport arena. At YVR, Urban Crave combines authentic Asian street food options and delivers them in fun and contemporary style. A full service bar will tempt passengers with a range of local beers. Hot, handcrafted, with bold, exciting flavors and local as it gets—Urban Crave will offer travelers an innovative taste of Vancouver street eats with every bite.
Freshii (Quick Service Restaurant): Freshii is currently paving the way for an entirely new segment of healthy food-to-go with a unique approach that emphasizes foods you should eat more of instead of focusing on foods to avoid. The choices are quite simple—everything in Freshii is good for you. With over 70 fresh, colorful and nutritious ingredients and dressings and 20 chef-designed menu items there is a breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack option for every traveler that can be customized for almost every dietary need. Freshii challenges passengers to eat, energize—then take to the skies!
SSP’s contract is part of a four-phase food and beverage refreshment to YVR’s International Terminal. Recently named “Best Airport In North America” for the seventh consecutive year in the 2016 Skytrax World Airport Awards, YVR is currently served by 56 airlines connecting travelers and businesses to more than 118 non-stop destinations worldwide. YVR welcomed 20 million passengers to North America in 2015.
SSP’s units will open from December 2016 and throughout 2017.
