Three major contract wins deliver top local restaurants and sought-after luxury retail brands to ATL travelers

ATLANTA — More than thirty new restaurants and ten retail stores are set to debut at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) courtesy of HMSHost. With a celebrated lineup of local dining and shopping, the airport’s travelers will experience the best of this city without ever leaving the concourse.

“HMSHost has again earned a significant role in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s concessions program,” said Louis E. Miller, Aviation General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “HMSHost’s program brings a diverse portfolio of local, regional, and national restaurant and retail brands, which will add value to the traveler’s experience here at the world’s busiest airport.”

HMSHost will open these new restaurants and shops as part of three major concession contracts awarded by the City of Atlanta to the company. The two restaurant contracts cover a ten-year time frame; the third contract for retail shops covers a term of seven years.

Many of HMSHost’s new restaurants and all of its new retail stores will be located in the international terminal, with its 12-gate Concourse F that connects with Concourse E to create a 40-gate international air travel complex.

“Fresh choices, local flavors and global style—that’s what HMSHost brings to the new dining and retail program at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” said Pat Banducci, Chief Operating Officer for HMSHost. “Our proposal demonstrated our expertise in creating exceptional dining and shopping programs for airports and we’re proud to deliver such an innovative program to a world-class airport and the City of Atlanta.”

Brand New Local Restaurants with Fresh Appeal

A mix of classic local favorite restaurants will soon be found throughout the airport. Concourse C and the new Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal will showcase the arrival of the world’s largest drive-in diner at the
world’s busiest airport when The Varsity opens with the familiar cry of “what’ll ya have?” from behind the counter. Expect nothing short of the true Varsity experience at this new airport location of one of Atlanta’s iconic dining spots.

Concourse C will also offer The Pecan by Atlanta’s Chef Tony Morrow and The Real Chow Baby from local restaurateur Chip Joyner.

Travelers in Concourse C may opt for something tasty from the Atlanta based Fifth Group’s spirited The Original El Taco or selections from other local favorites—Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint from local restaurateur Terry Harps and Shane’s Rib Shack, another well-known Georgia name in great food.

Named a “Best New Restaurant in America” by Esquire magazine, Ecco – another Fifth Group restaurant – has quickly become recognized as one of the best dining experiences in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. Lunch or dinner at Ecco in ATL’s new International facility will feature a seasonal European menu and will become a scheduled part of the trip for many travelers. Second locations of The Original El Taco and Chef Morrow’s The Pecan will also open in the international facility.

LongHorn Steakhouse is a national name, but it has never lost its roots as a small restaurant that started in Buckhead over 30 years ago. LongHorn will greet travelers on Concourse C. The Atlanta ChopHouse, located in the Atrium, brings local Atlanta atmosphere to the popular ChopHouse brand.

Unique Offerings Created Exclusively for ATL

HMSHost has exceptional skills in developing restaurant concepts specifically for people-on-the-go. Celebrity chef, Lorena Garcia partnered with HMSHost to create the eponymous Lorena Garcia Tapas Bar located on Concourse F. In collaboration with Fifth Group, Satchel Bros. Deli & Pickle Bar on Concourse C will bring a smile to everyone’s face with a fanciful menu that reflects its name. Maison Mathis and Belgian Beer Cafe, featuring Stella Artois beer will offer travelers a respite before, between, or after an international flight in the new terminal.

National Favorites

Along with great local offerings, travelers continue to seek strong national brands they recognize. Not only is Starbucks (Concourse C and Terminal F) the number one preferred coffee of travelers in every airport, but comfort from familiar names such as Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A (both on Concourse C), and La Madeleine Country French Café and T.G.I. Friday’s (both in the Atrium) are sure to satisfy discerning and hungry travelers.

Other popular national brands found throughout HMSHost’s locations that are new to ATL include: Pei Wei Asian Diner, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Teriyaki Experience and French Meadow Bakery Café.

A Bit of Buckhead Comes to the Airport

HMSHost builds upon its ability to bring exclusive and unique brands into the airport in this new retail contract. Preferred shopping brands will highlight HMSHost’s new offerings in the new international terminal including:
• Kiehl’s all-natural skin and personal care products will appeal to men and women of all ages.
• MAC Cosmetics, a leading name in today’s luxury cosmetics industry, is known for its style and on-trend selections.
• Touch Table will appeal to technology lovers of all types with top sellers from Apple, Samsung and Blackberry.
• Sunglass Icon and Luxury Boutique, offer style-conscious travelers fantastic options looking for high-end sunglasses, clothing, jewelry and gifts from top designers, including Burberry, Gucci, Bulgari, and Salvatore Ferragamo.
• Clutch, a boutique dedicated to the “art of accessorizing” will offer handbags from top name designers.
• Simply Books will offer a comfortable haven where travelers can browse the latest best-sellers, including local and regional authors, or access the “power bar” to recharge their e-books.
• The Wall Street Journal and CNN International News will be the go-to newsstands for newspapers, magazines, snacks and bottled water.
• Tommy Hilfiger will deliver classic apparel and accessories with superior style, quality and value.

HMSHost’s head of North American Development and Executive Vice President, Steve Johnson added, “We are proud to partner with the strongest group of local Atlanta restaurateurs and top tier retail brands in being awarded these three long-term contracts. We are confident our restaurants and retail stores will provide welcome options for travelers at this airport which boasts nearly 90 million visitors annually.”

HMSHost has provided first-rate customer service to ATL travelers since 1994. The company employs 1,160 associates at the airport. HMSHost is a five time recipient of the Airport Revenue News award for Best Overall Operator for Food & Beverage.

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.