HMSHost Corp. will open 25 dining options in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International’s Terminals 1 and 2 over two phases, under an agreement the company has signed with the airport.
The restaurants in the first phase are scheduled to open in the spring; those in the second phase are slated to open later this year through 2017.
“When proposing the new restaurants we’ll be opening at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, we really wanted to offer travelers an exciting mix of diverse choices, from well-known popular national brands, to local hot spots and themed restaurants, to convenient grab-and-go venues,” says Renee Tedesco, HMSHost’s vice president of business development. “Travelers will have 25 great dining options to choose from upon completion of the second development phase, with plenty of variety to please any traveler’s palette.”
Starbucks will make its debut at FLL; and once both development phases have been finished, the eatery offering coffee and other menu items will have five locations within Terminals 1 and 2.
The first openings of Phase 2 will be restaurants celebrating Florida’s sports history:
Shula Burger, inspired by NFL Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula’s signature Shula’s Steak House, and Offerdahl’s Cafe Grill, founded by “Gridiron Griller” and Miami Dolphins linebacker John Offerdahl.
More Florida flavor will arrive at the airport thanks to a joint effort between Jimmy Buffet and HMSHost. In addition to food offerings, Air Margaritaville will feature tropical drinks and a tropical aviation theme marked by a scale replica of Buffet’s flying boat.
Local restaurants also will be featured in Terminals 1 and 2. Tarpon Bend Food & Tackle, with its main location in downtown Fort Lauderdale, offers local fish. At Sergio’s, guests will find traditional Cuban fare. Other local concepts include Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, and BurgerFi.
“We are very much looking forward to partnering with HMSHost to transition our Terminals 1 and 2 in ways that will wow our travelers,” said Kent George, Director of Aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. “We have great development plans here at the airport and HMSHost’s dining program will be a significant part of that.”
