HMSHost partners with local businesses to bring airport travelers the best of Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — HMSHost and Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) celebrated today the grand opening of the new Whole Hog Café—a hometown favorite that is sure to become a favorite of the airport’s travelers. The new airport Whole Hog Café is located post-security, adjacent to Gate 6.

“As our business has grown throughout the region, having a location at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport with HMSHost has become a natural extension of the Whole Hog brand,” said Chris Maynes, President of Whole Hog Cafe. “We’re glad that we can share our award-winning barbecue with visitors to Arkansas.”

Arkansas, known for its southern hospitality, has been home to Whole Hog Café since the restaurant’s founding on Cantrell Road in Little Rock in 2000. The restaurant is an Arkansas institution and has welcomed two U.S. Presidents through its doors: Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Whole Hog Café is listed by the respected travel authority, Fodor’s as one of “1 of 5 Don’t Miss Restaurants” in Arkansas.

HMSHost is also broadening its beverage offerings at several LIT restaurants. Travelers can enjoy spirits from Rock Town Distillery at the pre-security River Bend Bar & Grill, as well as post-security Ouachita Landing restaurant and the Ouachita Brewhouse. Rock Town Distillery is an Arkansas-owned and operated business creating a selection of spirits including its award-winning Brandon’s Vodka and Brandon’s Gin, Arkansas Lightning and Arkansas Young Bourbon Whiskey. Each spirit is made by hand using locally-grown ingredients.

“We are thrilled to include Whole Hog Café and spirits from Rock Town Distillery to the airport’s dining and beverage options,” said Jim Dailey, Chairman of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission. “As the gateway to our wonderful city and state, we are committed to showcasing one-of-a-kind Arkansas experiences. Whole Hog Café and Rock Town Distillery undoubtedly fit that bill.”

“Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport aims to provide visitors a taste and feel of Arkansas through their airport experience. In keeping with HMSHost’s strategy of reflecting local flavor to help make the travelers’ day better, we’re proud to offer them delicious dining from Whole Hog Café and spirits from Rock Town Distillery,” said Stephen Douglas, Vice President of Business Development, HMSHost.

As a major driver in Little Rock’s economy, the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport works to support local business throughout the airport’s operations. The airport has a $1.2 billion annual impact on the local economy and welcomed 2.2 million travelers in 2011.

HMSHost employs 92 associates at LIT in 13 restaurants and retail stores.

About Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is the state’s largest commercial service airport, serving 2.2 million passengers annually. As Arkansans’ “Gateway to the World,” the airport is home to seven airlines with 124 flight arrivals and departures each day. Non-stop jet service is provided to 16 national gateway cities. The airport is currently in Phase I of a major construction initiative that will eventually transform it into an international airport. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport plays a major role in the city’s economy with a more than $1.2 billion impact each year, including providing Arkansans with more than 4,000 jobs on the airport’s 2,200 acres. For more information, visit http://www.fly-lit.com .

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining and shopping for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.7 billion and employs more than 34,000 sales associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. With sales of over €5.8 billion in 2011, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,800 people. It manages over 5,300 stores in more than 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information and find us on Facebook at HMSHost Making the Traveler’s Day Better.