HMSHost Corp. and Starbucks celebrated 20 years of partnership Nov. 10.
The first location opened in 1991 at Seattle-Tacoma international (SEA), and there are now 350 HMSHost locations in more than 75 airports and highway travel plazas around the country.
The celebration began with remarks of appreciation and a coffee tasting for five HMSHost associates who have supported Starbucks’ SEA airport locations for 20 years: Brenda Canady-Valbush, Keri Krokenes-Williams, Julie LaBissioniere, Marlynn Palmer, and Ana Riza Sadi Caoagdan, who were all present at the ceremony.
“This 20-year partnership is based on a shared spirit of creativity and innovation from both HMSHost and Starbucks Coffee,” says Pat Banducci, senior vice president of business development for HMSHost. “The work of our five longtime associates is an unparalleled example of this successful approach. It is truly what enables us to create value for our guests and our landlords, through the top-quality experience for which both companies are known.”
“We are pleased to have worked with HMSHost and Starbucks over the past two decades, as the airport Starbucks grew from one small kiosk to seven thriving airport locations,” says Mark M. Reis, managing director of SEA. “Having this iconic Seattle coffee brewer as one of our concession offerings helps us deliver the Northwest experience to hometown and visiting travelers alike.”
“Our goal, through our licensed business partnerships, is to provide our customers access to the Starbucks Experience wherever they are, including in airport terminals throughout North America,” said Cliff Burrows, president of Starbucks Coffee U.S. and the Americas. “Today, we are thrilled to acknowledge our 20-year business partnership with HMSHost and Sea-Tac Airport, where our licensed store business began, and, moreover, celebrate the five partners who have been wearing the Starbucks green apron at Sea-Tac from the beginning.”
“In my 20 years of working with HMSHost and Starbucks, I’ve watched our business grow from the very first Starbucks in an airport at Sea-Tac to airport and travel plaza locations across the country, offering travelers a great cup of coffee and making their day better,” said Marlynn Palmer, HMSHost assistant general manager at SEA.
In other HMSHost news…
The Chickenburger restaurant, a 1950s-style diner, has opened at Halifax International (YHZ).
“We are delighted to welcome The Chickenburger to the airport community,” says Tom Ruth, Halifax International Airport Authority president and CEO. “Having this iconic eatery as part of the airport landscape means travelers, visitors and staff can enjoy a unique dining experience, which, for many, will bring back fond memories of another era. And we hope the nostalgic ambiance of The Chickenburger will help create new travel memories.”
HMSHost, the master food and beverage concessionaire at YHZ, operates the restaurant. It is the first franchise agreement for The Chickenburger.
”Eating at The Chickenburger will be a one-of-a-kind airport dining experience,” says Michael Fetchko, senior director of business development with HMSHost. “We are excited to bring such an historic eating establishment – with its authentic local flavor – to the airport setting, and it is a terrific complement to our existing restaurants.” ”We’re thrilled to open a second Chickenburger,” says Mickey MacDonald, owner and CEO of The Chickenburger. “What better place to get transported to another time than at the airport? Now so many more people – the young and the young at heart – can enjoy a Halifax tradition that’s been part of our history for more than 70 years.”
