HMSHost Corporation, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, has been awarded a 10-year extension to its current lease for concessions at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida, which was due to expire in 2014. County commissioners recently approved the Seventh Amendment that continues the HMSHost lease through the year 2024.
The contract is a joint venture with Tarra Enterprises and includes the construction of a new restaurant in the expanded Terminal C, as well as the growth and renovation of existing brands throughout the other airport terminals.
Said Laura Beebe, Palm Beach County Deputy Director of Airports for Business Affairs, "The new restaurants that come with this contract extension will give passengers many more choices for dining at Palm Beach International Airport. New national brands will be a welcome sight for travelers arriving or departing, while local restaurants will showcase South Florida cuisine."
"This extension marks a substantial commitment in the Florida market for HMSHost. We are dedicated to providing the best food and beverage options and making the traveler's day better for local, national and internationals passengers at Palm Beach International," said Kevin Erickson, Vice President, Business Development for HMSHost.
Terminal C, whose dominant carriers include Delta and Air Tran, will be expanded in October 2007 to include a new 3,488 square foot Chili's Too (between Gates C7 and C9), a first for the airport. Construction will be completed in the first quarter of 2008. At the casual full service restaurant, themed after a Southwestern-styled street side café, travelers can relax and enjoy popular dishes such as the Sizzling Fajitas and Big Mouth Burgers. For passengers who want a leaner option, The Guiltless Grill menu features dishes that are high in Southwester flavor, but low in calories. Chili's Too will serve soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails, including the famous Margarita Presidente. "To-go" items will be available from a separate line from a quick service menu.
Terminal C will also house a larger Starbucks Coffee, relocated to an expanded space, and scheduled to open in the summer of 2008. The internationally known specialty coffee roaster and retailer will serve gourmet espresso drinks, tea, juice, pre-packaged salads, sandwiches and bakery items.
Quiznos Sub, the popular sandwich brand known for toasty overstuffed subway sandwiches made on proprietary artisan breads, will open in a renovated space (occupied formerly by Miami Subs Grill) in Terminal C. Construction on the new Quiznos site is scheduled to begin in May 2008 and is expected to be completed in August 2008.
South Florida's relaxed casual Italian restaurant, Nick's Tomato Pie, also located in Terminal C, will be remodeled in summer 2008. The friendly family-style restaurant serves authentic pizza and a variety of salads.
Terminal B, whose dominant carriers include JetBlue and US Airways, will also house a renovated and substantially larger Starbucks Coffee. Several existing restaurants at Palm Beach International Airport will remain unchanged including Burger King, Cinnabon, Freshens, California Pizza Kitchen, Sam Snead's Tavern and Rooney's Public House.
About HMSHost
HMSHost is world-renowned for creating customized shopping and dining spaces in travel venues. The innovative company operates in more than 100 airport locations around the globe, including 19 of the 20 busiest airports in North America. HMSHost has annual sales in excess of $2.3 billion and employs more than 28,000 associates worldwide.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Autogrill S.p.A, HMSHost and the rest of the Autogrill Group are recognized leaders in travel amenities. With sales exceeding €3.9 billion, Autogrill is present in 33 countries with more than 4,800 points of sale in more than 1050 locations (including 163 airports and 689 motorways) where 51,000 employees serve more than 840 million customers every year.
Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information.
