Paradies Lagardère and SSP America have won concessions contracts for the Mickey Leland International Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The Houston City Council gave approval this week for Paradies Lagardère to operate retail concessions and for SSP America to operate food and beverage concessions at the new terminal.
The two 10-year agreements are projected to generate as much as $116 million in revenue for Houston Airports, which manages both IAH and Dallas Love Field (DAL). These new food, beverage and retail options are expected to create at least 390 jobs spread across 26 concession locations.
“As one of the biggest and most modern airport facilities in the country, the new international terminal at IAH deserves the best dining and shopping experiences,” Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz said. “As we expand our reach across the world, offering unique local, regional and national concepts ensures all customers will experience Houston’s diverse and vibrant flavors without ever having to leave the airport.”
SSP America’s new food and beverage program will feature a combination of local Houston flavor and national brands, and will feature iconic Houston landmarks such as The Annie Café & Bar, The Kitchen (Woodlands, TX) and Common Bond Bakery and Café, complemented by tried-and-true national favorites like Chili’s and MOD Pizza.
The Kitchen.
Renderings of the new concession concepts at IAH new international terminal
“SSP America began our Houston operations in 2008, and we’ve been proud members of the IAH community every day since then,” said Pat Murray, deputy CEO at SSP America. “Most of our partners and many of our team members have been with us since we expanded operations in 2014. Houston has been an incredibly important part of our growth as a company. It’s hard to describe just how honored we are by the opportunity to create 340 new jobs for local residents.”
Paradies Lagardère will oversee a new retail program featuring stores including Houston Supply Co., Uno de 50, Be Relax, LEGO and iStore. In addition, Jetero Market, developed by Paradies to celebrate the eclectic history and culture of Houston and IAH, is named after a group of Houston businessmen and civic leaders who purchased the site for IAH.
“We appreciate our partnership with Houston Airports and are thrilled with the opportunity to deliver an amazing retail program for the George Bush Intercontinental Airport that will generate more than 50 new jobs and over 100 total jobs in the Houston community,” said Gregg Paradies, president and CEO of Paradies Lagardère. “We’re confident that our incredible designs, great blend of recognized national brands and popular local concepts, support of the local community, and leading innovation will fully endorse Houston’s vision of being a five-star global service gateway.”
The contracts for both SSP America and Paradies Lagardère will begin upon substantial completion of the new international terminal, Houston Airports said.
The new Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT) will house a new International Central Processor (ITRP). Set to be substantially completed in 2024, the ITRP with house ticketing counters, baggage claims and a 17-lane security checkpoint that will be one of the largest in the country. Attached to MLIT will be a new concourse and a fully renovated Terminal D, with updated facilities where travelers can board their planes, relax in the many lounges, or explore dining vendors.
The Annie Cafe & Bar.
Renderings of the new concession concepts at IAH new international terminal
