It has been a busy few weeks for HMSHost Corp., with a slew of openings and a contract extension.
For starters, the company teamed up with two magazines to open stores reflecting the publications.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Southern Living News opened July 13 in Concourse B, near Gate 20. On the West Coast, Sunset News opened July 15 at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International (SJC) on the Terminal B Concourse opposite Gate 20.
The 600 sq. ft. Southern Living News and the 1,290 sq. ft. Sunset News will offer magazines, newspapers, books, local and regional maps and guidebooks and convenience items such as candy, bottled beverages, film, health and beauty items, and travel accessories from Brookstone.
“Atlanta is an important market for Southern Living,” says Eleanor Griffin, editor in chief. “We’re excited to announce the opening of Southern Living News at the crossroads of the world’s busiest airport. Partnering with HMSHost to operate this store affords us a great opportunity to potentially reach 250,000 daily passengers. It is great exposure for our brand.”
“As the ultimate resource for Western living, we’re excited for the Sunset brand to welcome travelers to this dynamic city – the 10th-largest in the nation,” says Katie Tamony, Sunset editor in chief. “Partnering with HMSHost to operate this store affords us a great opportunity to potentially reach 9.7 million passengers per year. We look forward to welcoming millions of travelers to the West and introducing them to the Sunset brand.”
“The addition of the Southern Living brand name to our line-up of retail stores at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport adds another high-quality newsstand selection for travelers,” says Joan Ryzner, senior vice president of HMSHost Retail. “The addition of the Sunset brand to our line-up of retail stores at Mineta San Jose International Airport brings an immensely popular regional name and quality newsstand selection to SJC’s travelers,”
Sunset News wasn’t the only opening at SJC for HMSHost recently. The Sharks Cage Sports Bar & Grill, which pays homage to the city’s hockey team, the San Jose Sharks, will take a bite out of passengers’ hunger in the new Terminal B Concourse.
The new restaurant is a joint effort by HMSHost and Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment Group.
“We wanted our airport’s shops and restaurants to reflect the character of San José© and Silicon Valley,” says Bill Sherry, SJC Director of Aviation. “The Sharks Cage leads a terrific line up of unique local brands, helping us meet our goal of creating a strong sense of place for SJC travelers.”
HMSHost also expressed excitement over the opening.
“Our goal is to offer Mineta San José© International Airport travelers the best dining and shopping experience possible – one that reflects the best of the city of San José© while making the traveler’s day better,” says Pat Banducci, senior vice president of business development.
Sharks Cage showcases vintage team photos and sports memorabilia, and breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer American comfort foods.
In addition to all of the openings, HMSHost has announced that it has been granted a contract extension for its current food and beverage concessions contract at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to 2015.
“HMSHost has been an excellent partner to Charlotte Douglas International Airport since 1986,” says Jerry Orr, aviation director. “Their expertise has helped us develop a high quality concession program. We are excited about extending our relationship and look forward to many future successes with HMSHost.”
Dining options opened by HMSHost and its local partners at CLT recently include brands such as BACARDI® Rum Bar & Grill, Bojangles’ Famous Chicken & Biscuits, as well as local favorites Salsarita’s and Carolina Beer Co. Other longstanding HMSHost food and beverage options serving CLT travelers include Starbucks Coffee (6 locations), Burger King, Phillips Famous Seafood, Chili’s Too, Great American Bagel, Stock Car Cafe, Brookwood Farms BBQ and Quiznos Sub.
“HMSHost greatly appreciates the vote of confidence from the city of Charlotte and its aviation department,” Banducci says. “We pledge to continue delivering the local and national restaurant brands that enhance the airport’s concessions program and make the day better for the more than 34 million passengers who travel through CLT annually.”
