Delaware North was announced as a winner in the 2018 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards. Named the Restaurateur of Year among large corporations, Delaware North was recognized for its operation of 20-plus restaurants at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The GRACE Awards recognize companies that demonstrate consistent standards of excellence and serve as an inspiration to other foodservice professionals; show originality, quality and service to customers; and contributes to the advancement and prestige of Georgia’s foodservice industry. The awards are peer-nominated and winners are selected by the GRACE Academy, made up of past honorees
Delaware North began operations at Hartsfield-Jackson in 2012 and quickly introduced an array of dining options at the airport, including global brands like Jay Z’s 40/40 Club and Wolfgang Puck Express, as well as Atlanta-area favorites like Mustard Seed, Atlanta Stillhouse and Grindhouse Killer Burgers. In addition to its slate of restaurants and brands, Delaware North brought with it high standards in not just operations, but also community involvement, excellence in culinary expertise and leadership in sustainability.
Last year at its GreeningATL Excellence Awards, Hartsfield-Jackson airport gave Delaware North the Footprint and Community Impact Award for leading the way when it comes to sustainable practices with its GreenPath environmental stewardship platform. Beyond the airport, Delaware North also operates at SunTrust Park as the official food and beverage provider for the Atlanta Braves. Earlier this year, Delaware North at SunTrust Park was named the National Employer of the Year by the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities for its Bridges from School to Work program at the ballpark. The program works to train and employ high school students with disabilities, offering them career opportunities in the hospitality industry.
“Atlanta has a thriving restaurant industry and we are very proud of the work we do here,” said Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North’s travel division. “We’re grateful for the partnership with Georgia’s larger hospitality industry and we look forward to continuing to provide high-quality food and memorable service to all our guests across Atlanta.”
Overall, Delaware North’s travel division operates food, beverage and retail services in more than 30 airports and travel hubs across three continents, including some of the world’s busiest airports such as Los Angeles International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport. The company’s 300 total airport outlets include more than 200 brands — a mix of award-winning proprietary concepts, local and national partnerships and franchises. Delaware North’s travel business dates back to 1939 and continues to maintain several airport partnerships that have spanned more than 60 years.
