Post-security restaurants now include a new Starbucks on Concourse A, along with full service, casual dining at Back Bay Bistro and James River Grill in Concourses A and B. The new The Market at La Tapenade offers ORF travelers a variety of fresh made deli salads and sandwiches to-go, as well as a selection of gluten-free snacks, from its locations in both concourses. National dining favorites Pizza Hut Express and Burger King are now open in the pre-security area of the Main Terminal.

“Norfolk International Airport expects to grow significantly over the next several years, and we’re especially glad to continue serving the many military members and their families who travel through our airport with a broader selection of dining options,” said Wayne Shank, Executive Director of Norfolk International Airport.

Both Back Bay Bistro and James River Grill are custom-designed restaurants that are an example of the culinary expertise HMSHost brings to every airport in which it operates. The menus offer a selection of healthy and hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, highlighted by tempting appetizers like pork sliders, a chipotle quesadilla, and more. HMSHost’s restaurant line up at ORF also includes Phillips Seafood, Home Team Sports Grill and The Great American Bagel.

“Norfolk International Airport has been a fantastic partner to HMSHost for more than ten years. We look forward to many more successful years together and to making the Norfolk traveler’s day better by providing a variety of inviting dining options,” said HMSHost’s Senior Director of Business Development, Bryan Loden.

HMSHost employs 150 associates in 11 restaurants at Norfolk International Airport. A total of 50 new jobs resulted from these new restaurant openings, including positions filled by graduates of the Culinary Institute of Virginia.

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.

About Norfolk International Airport

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the major airport serving Coastal Virginia and Northeast North Carolina with 80 daily departures provided by American, Delta, Southwest, United, US Airways and their regional airline partners. ORF is ranked as the 65th largest airport in the United States with nearly 3.2 million passengers served in 2011.

“We are always looking for new ideas to improve the travel experience at Sacramento International Airport,” said G. Hardy Acree, Director of Airports. “B4 YOU BOARD is a great way to take some of the stress out of flying.”

SMF’s travelers can now use HMSHost’s B4 YOU BOARD mobile app to order a delicious meal from Esquire Grill or Burgers & Brew and have it delivered to them at the gate while they wait for their flight. The selection includes lunch and dinner offerings of a Turkey Avocado Melt or Portabella Burger and Sweet Potato Fries from Burgers & Brew, or, a Seared Ahi Tuna Salad or Niman Ranch Angus Beef Burger from Esquire. Classics and favorites are available on the menus—even Esquire’s famous Macaroni & Cheese. Serving hours are between 10:30 am and 6:30 pm daily.

“Launching B4 YOU BOARD at Sacramento International Airport is a great way to celebrate the one year anniversary of B4 YOU BOARD’S debut at JFK. It has been an exciting year. USA Today named B4 YOU BOARD one of the five apps every flier should have and we are a finalist for the National Restaurant Association’s prestigious Operator Innovation Award,” said HMSHost’s Vice President of Business Development Joe Waller.

Waller added, “We are thrilled with the response and are looking forward to bringing B4 YOU BOARD to more airports in the coming year.”

B4 YOU BOARD is free and is available from the Apple App Store and from Google Play.

HMSHost employs 180 associates in 14 restaurants at Sacramento International Airport.

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.

About Sacramento County Airport System

Sacramento County Airport System is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. The economic impact of the Sacramento County Airport System is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit www.sacramento.aero

“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.

“Passengers stay in Lounge 4 until shortly before departure of their flights so we expect these inspiring hospitality concepts will fit their needs as well as contribute to the overall experience of this lounge,” said Otto Ambagtsheer, Director, Business Area Consumers Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Schiphol is one of Europe’s leading aviation gateways, welcoming more than 50 million airport travelers last year. HMSHost operates 75 restaurants and coffee shops – including Dutch Kitchen &, Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar, Park Café, and Café Chocolate – that bring great choices in dining and genuine hospitality to the airport and its guests.

Light Lounge Café is a trendy eatery that combines two dining experiences. By day, Light Lounge Café is a stylish espresso bar. When evening arrives, the café turns into a lounge bar. A subtle change of the lighting display creates this transformation, along with a change of menu. By day, guests enjoy delicious Italian Ciabatta sandwiches and salads with tuna or ham. By late afternoon and night, fresh pizzas and pasta dishes are served. A smoking room designed in the same theme as the café has been built adjacent to the dining area which allows guests who wish to smoke a dedicated area.

Urban Food Market is a fresh, appealing market-style quick service offering. Guests can choose from a wide variety of drinks, fresh juices, and savory snacks. The sandwiches from freshly baked bread are made on the spot, served with chilled fillings of grilled chicken or smoked salmon. HMSHost’s culinary team developed a menu where the combined flavors of fresh, warm bread and chilled toppings are a perfect match.

“HMSHost continually looks for ways to make the traveler’s day better with innovative dining options and genuine, responsive customer service. These food and beverage offerings cover all day-parts with the innovative design and planning of Light Lounge Café. We invite Lounge 4’s passengers to enjoy HMSHost’s hospitality before their flight,” said Dawn Wilding, Vice President of HMSHost Europe and Middle East.

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating shopping and dining for travel venues and is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including 15 European airports and the 20 busiest airports in North America. The company has annual sales in excess of $2.5 billion and employs more than 34,000 sales associates worldwide. Visit www.hmshost.com for more information and become a fan of HMSHost on Facebook.

HMSHost Europe operates restaurants at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Belfast City, Copenhagen, Cork, Dublin, London Heathrow, Shannon, Stansted, Stockholm and more.

Last year Schiphol welcomed almost 50 million passengers and is one of Europe’s most important aviation-gateways. HMSHost operates more than 70 food and beverage venues at Schiphol including bread!, Fair Taste Café, Dutch Kitchen & Bar, Café Chocolat and Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar. This contributes to a wide variety of welcoming restaurants at this top airport.

To top off a very successful awards evening, HMSHost won two Guest Friendliness Awards. A third award went to HMSHost in the new Corporate Responsibility Award category.

“We are very proud to have been recognized by Schiphol for all of these awards and HMSHost‘s efforts to make the traveller‘s day better,” said Jan Willem Hilbron, General Manager of HMSHost Schiphol Airport. “High praise goes to the team of Délifrance Plaza and subcontractor McDonald‘s for winning the Guest Friendliness Award.”

Corporate Responsibility Award
The Corporate Responsibility Award is awarded to the concessionaire at the airport with the largest contribution in the field of sustainability. HMSHost has a number of ‘green’ ambassadors, who are the driving force behind the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach.

HMSHost‘s Vice President EMEA, Dawn Wilding said, ―Sustainability is an area where we see new market opportunities, growth and innovations that benefit travellers as well as our environment.

HMSHost offers a wide range of sustainable products in its restaurants – from certified coffee and tea to 800,000 ‗grab n‘ go‘ sustainable sandwiches sold annually. The use of sustainable materials in the design and construction of the restaurants, as well as furniture and equipment are conscious choices made by HMSHost.
Guest Friendliness Award

The Guest Friendliness Award is presented to the restaurant or retail store that is most inviting to guests as a welcoming place to visit. All HMSHost locations aim to contribute to Schiphol‘s ambition to be ‘Europe’s most preferred airport’. The recognition is based on results of an independent market research study.

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining and shopping for travel venues and is part of Autogrill Group, the world‘s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including 15 European airports and the 20 busiest airports in North America. The company has annual sales in excess of $2.5 billion and employs more than 34,000 associates worldwide. Visit www.hmshost.com for more information and become a fan of HMSHost on Facebook.

HMSHost Europe operates restaurants at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Belfast City, Copenhagen, Cork, Dublin, London Heathrow, Shannon, London Stansted, Stockholm and other locations.

Last year Amsterdam Airport Schiphol welcomed more than 45 million passengers and is one of Europe‘s most important aviation-gateways. HMSHost operates more than 70 food and beverage venues at Schiphol, including Dutch Kitchen & Bar, Café Chocolat, and Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar. These contribute to a wide variety of welcoming restaurants at this top airport.

In announcing ARN’s recognition of the company to employees, President and CEO Tom Fricke singled out customer service as a highlight for the company. ―Credit for this admiration goes to the hard work and dedication of our front line associates who earn truly outstanding feedback and comments from guests every day. It is a pleasure to be in a company that is valued and held in high regard by the industry, he said.

HMSHost received additional top awards for Best Food & Beverage Brand Operator (for Starbucks) and Food Operator with the Highest Regard for Customer Service. The awards ceremony also recognizes excellence in airports and select terminals across North America. Multiple partner airports of HMSHost concession programs won in the following categories:

Airport with the Best Concessions Program Design
Large: San Francisco International (San Francisco, Calif.)
Medium: Sacramento International (Sacramento, Calif.)
Small: Indianapolis International (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Single Terminal: San Francisco International – Terminal 2

Airport with the Best Customer Service
Large: Dallas/Fort Worth International (Dallas, Texas)
Medium: Nashville International (Nashville, Tenn.)
Small: Halifax International (Enfield, NS, Canada)
Single Terminal: San Francisco International – Terminal 2

Airport with the Best Concessions Management Team
Large: McCarran International (Las Vegas, Nev.)
Medium: Portland International (Portland, Ore.)
Small: Indianapolis International (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Single Terminal: San Francisco International – Terminal 2

Airport with the Most Unique Services
Large: San Francisco International (San Francisco, Calif.)
Medium: Nashville International (Nashville, Tenn.)

Airport with the Best Overall Concessions Program
Large: San Francisco International (San Francisco, Calif.)
Medium: Nashville International (Nashville, Tenn.)
Small: Indianapolis International (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Single Terminal: Miami International – Terminal D

“The Airport Revenue News awards set the standard for the industry”, added Pat Banducci, Chief Operating Officer for HMSHost. “We are committed to bringing innovation and creativity to our airport partners and travelers. From quality of menus, to design of our restaurants and stores, you’ll be able to look at our work and know it’s from HMSHost.”

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 $2.5 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 €5.7 billion in 2010, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,000 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.

]]> http://www.hmshost.com/2012/03/05/hmshost-earns-industry%e2%80%99s-best-overall-food-beverage-operator-award-for-fifth-time/feed/ 0 http://www.hmshost.com/2012/03/01/hmshost-and-yowza-announce-partnership-to-bring-savings-to-on-the-go-travelers/ http://www.hmshost.com/2012/03/01/hmshost-and-yowza-announce-partnership-to-bring-savings-to-on-the-go-travelers/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:24:13 +0000 siteadmin http://www.hmshost.com/?p=4131 Full Story »]]> LOS ANGELES - World leader in travel dining and shopping, HMSHost, and breakthrough mobile couponing application, Yowza!!, are collaborating to bring real-time savings directly to travelers via their smartphones.

At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Yowza!!’s local mobile coupons provide instant savings at popular HMSHost restaurants and cafes, including Pinkberry, California Pizza Kitchen, and LaBrea Bakery. Travelers can download the free app to their mobile device and immediately receive targeted coupons, offers, and announcements for HMSHost restaurants near their gate. Beyond the airport, Yowza!! brings savings to consumers around the country at businesses small and large.

“Our partnership with HMSHost ensures travelers receive valuable offers and promotions to use at their favorite in-airport eateries and shops upon arrival or prior to departure,” says David Teichner, CEO of Yowza!! “These are real-time savings that can be used on the spot, making the traveler’s experience that much better.”

HMSHost’s dedication to Making the Traveler’s Day Better aligns naturally with Yowza!!’s mission to bring savings to consumers on the go. Now, HMSHost will go one step further by providing travelers with instant savings via Yowza!! mobile coupons.

The partnership between HMSHost and Yowza!! comes at a time when more than 33 million American consumers are engaging in shopping-related activities using their smartphones. Yowza!! mobile coupons are currently available in HMSHost-operated restaurants at Los Angeles International Airport, Tampa International Airport and the New York State Thruway, with plans to roll out to many HMSHost venues nationwide in 2012.

“Integrating Yowza!! technology into our roster of traveler offerings at LAX and other locations including Tampa International Airport and the New York State Thruway is another way HMSHost is innovating and elevating the travel experience,” said Atousa Ghoreichi, vice president of marketing for HMSHost.

To take advantage of real-time savings while traveling, download the free app for iPhones here: https://getyowza.com/download/iphone and Androids here: http://bit.ly/yowzaforandroid

About Yowza!!

Yowza!!® is the leading location-based mobile coupon, offer and announcement application, saving millions of consumers money on everyday purchases while increasing sales at thousands of local and national retailers, including McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Big 5 Sporting Goods and Guitar Center. Businesses have the ability to add and update offers in seconds, effectively track results and dramatically increase sales by reaching new and existing customers with compelling coupons and information. Yowza!! was co-founded by television and film writer/producer/actor Greg Grunberg, who is best known for his roles in hit series Heroes, Alias and Felicity.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.getyowza.com
https://www.facebook.com/getyowza
https://twitter.com/yowza

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 $2.5 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 €5.7 billion in 2010, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,000 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.

“On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we are so pleased to welcome Beaudevin and Bubbles to O’Hare and provide to our travelers further world-class dining and drink options,” said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. “Beaudevin and Bubbles are examples of the efforts Chicago is committed to making at our airports to cater to our global travelers’ palates with distinctive dining and beverage options, from sit-down restaurants to cafes to wine bars.”

Beaudevin loosely translates into “the beauty of wine.” Located in Concourse C near Gate 17, the wine bar offers travelers to chance to relax in an informal, European-influenced atmosphere, reminiscent of a château cellar, combining traditional design materials with contemporary elements.

By offering travelers a choice of more than 20 red, white or sparkling wines, Beaudevin enhances the wine experience for travelers with wines by the glass, bottle or flight. Small plates including Olives de Provence or figs, as well as tartines including Roasted Herbed Chicken, Turkey Berry Goat Cheese or Scottish Smoked Salmon are designed to complement the floral elegance of a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, or the richness and refinement of a Mouton-Cadet Bordeaux or Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Bubbles Wine Bar, located in Terminal 3 near Gate H4, focuses on bubbly beverages together with sushi roll pairings. First introduced by HMSHost at Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport and named by Executive Life magazine as one of the “chic-est airport bars,” Bubbles has now crossed the Atlantic to become one of the newest treasures of U.S. domestic airports. With an elegant approach to dining, Bubbles features boutique beers and sparkling wines together with delectable dishes of specialty sushi rolls, such as Maki Classic Rolls including the California Roll or the Spicy Tuna Roll. Specialty Rolls include the Spider Roll with deep fried soft shell crab, avocado, asparagus, chives, spicy mayo and tobiko (red flying fish roe).

“Travelers to and through Chicago O’Hare will enjoy visiting either of these stylish, relaxing wine bars with gourmet menus, where they can linger over a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with a charcuterie plate, or step in for a brief bite of sushi and a pleasant Ecco Domani as they find their way to a nearby gate,” said Stephen Douglas, Vice President of Business Development, HMSHost. “We’re sure Beaudevin and Bubbles will delight travelers and wine lovers of all kinds.”

In support of O’Hare’s ongoing commitment to sustainable best practices, Beaudevin offers several wines made with organically grown grapes. These wines include the Bonterra Chardonnay, King Estate Acrobat Pinot Gris, Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon, Paul Dolan Vineyards Zinfandel, and Parducci Cabernet Sauvignon.

Passengers will be able to enjoy the soothing sounds of piano music and make song requests of pianists when available; however, the piano music won’t end when the pianist’s shift does. Self-playing pianos with more than 2,000 songs will entertain passengers at both wine bars, giving travelers a chance to relax and unwind.

About Chicago Department of Aviation

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at O’Hare and Midway International airports. Together, Chicago’s airports generate more than $45 billion in annual economic activity and create 540,000 jobs for the region. Please visit www.flychicago.com to learn more about the Chicago Department of Aviation.

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 $2.5 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 €5.7 billion in 2010, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,000 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.

King’s Cross is Leon’s first-ever location in any rail station and it will open to serve customers in mid-March 2012. Leon, with its passion for providing fast food that tastes good and does you good, is bringing its flavourful, natural, “healthy fast food” to travelers at King’s Cross in time for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

“Our mission is to make it easy for everyone to eat good food. By bringing Leon to the heart of King’s Cross, we are a step closer to proving that fast food can be good food. Food that tastes good and does you good. We are excited to be a central part of such an iconic location. We hope to improve the lives and well-being of people who work nearby and who travel through the station,” said John Vincent, co-founder, Leon Restaurants.

Leon Co-founder Henry Dimbleby added, “We know that to achieve our vision of becoming an international „good fast food‟ business, we will need excellent partners. The HMSHost team is one whom we are proud to be working alongside. We have been struck by their passion, professionalism and strong sense of collaboration.”

“We’re excited to expand our European footprint with a great new restaurant partner, Leon, and with Network Rail at the strategic King‟s Cross Station,” said Michiel Reuvers, Senior Director of Business Development, HMSHost Europe. “Particularly with the Summer Olympics 2012 taking place in London later this year, we‟re confident that the level of quality and fresh, nutritious food offered by Leon will delight travelers and local residents alike.”

Created in 2004 and now with eleven restaurants in and around London, Leon’s mission is to make it easy for everyone to eat good food. John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby started Leon with a vision of creating „fast food heaven‟: Food that tastes good, does you good, doesn‟t cost the earth, is kind to the planet and is served by naturally sunny people.

Leon is also a founding member of the UK-based Sustainable Restaurant Association, and currently holds a “Silver” rating in sustainability for its achievement in offering local and seasonal food, health and safety awareness, and other environmental commitments.

Gavin McKechnie, Head of Retail at Network Rail, said: “We are thrilled to be working with HMSHost and Leon Restaurants to bring passengers an exciting new restaurant to their station. King‟s Cross illustrates our vision for the future of station retailing by creating destination stations with shopping that‟s on the way, not in the way. The new retail and dining mix will be one of the best at a British station, which is great news for passengers, and will complement the increased capacity and better facilities which will also be available.”

The redevelopment of King‟s Cross Station includes a new concourse which opens in March 2012.  The new concourse will triple the amount of space in the station and create 25,000 square feet of retail opportunities, all in time to take travellers to the London Olympics later this year.

About Autogrill and HMSHost

Autogrill is the world‟s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for travellers. Present in 35 countries with approximately 62,500 employees, it manages more than 5,300 points of sale in over 1,200 locations. It operates mainly through concessions: at airports, along motorways and in railway stations, plus a selective presence on the high street, and at shopping centers, trade fairs and cultural attractions. The Group operates in two business segments: Food & Beverage and Travel Retail & Duty-Free.

HMSHost, Autogrill Group‟s subsidiary, 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 as well as key airports in Europe, Australia, Asia Pacific, and the UAE. Visit www.autogrill.com and www.HMSHost.com for more information.

The new Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, located near Gate K3 in Terminal 3, features a fullservice bar, seating with power-charging outlets at each table, and of course, Bayless’ signature tortas and mollettes on the menu. Rick Bayless joined CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino and HMSHost President & CEO Tom Fricke today at O’Hare to celebrate the grand opening, which featured samples of the Tortas Frontera menu and entertainment from a mariachi band.

“Tortas Frontera at O’Hare has been an incredible success since arriving at the airport a year ago and we are so pleased to open a second location” said Andolino. “On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and everyone at the CDA, I want to thank Rick Bayless, his fantastic team and HMSHost for working together with us to offer delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine for millions of travelers from across the globe.”

Similar to the first airport location, Chef Rick designed the new Tortas Frontera menu to offer O’Hare travelers a choice of delicious tortas, which are Mexican griddle-baked sandwiches, and mollettes: warm open-face sandwiches. Breakfast tortas include the Egg & Chorizo or Egg & Rajas, and breakfast mollettes include the Queso & Cajeta (a sweet, milk-based filling), among others. Lunch or dinner tortas, made with all natural and antibiotic-free chicken and pork, include the Cubana, Chipotle Chicken, Roasted Garlic Mushroom and more. Complementing and rounding out the menu are the Guacamole Bar, a Yogurt Bar with Fage Organic Yogurt, chips, salsas, soups, salads, Aguas Frescas, Margaritas and beer.

“The first Tortas Frontera in Terminal 1 at ORD is extremely popular so we’re pleased to offer Terminal 3’s travelers the same experience from one of the best restaurateurs in Chicago,” said Stephen Douglas, Vice President of Business Development, HMSHost. “The farm-fresh offerings and zesty Mexican flavors are unmatched flavor and quality.”

Bayless is an internationally acclaimed chef, television personality, restaurateur/airport concessionaire, award-winning cook book author, and innovator in sustainable restaurant practices. His renowned restaurants in Chicago include Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and XOCO.

“I am so excited to again partner with HMSHost to offer O’Hare travelers a second option to enjoy this unique and authentic Mexican experience,” said Bayless. The first Tortas Frontera restaurant at O’Hare opened in early 2011. It is located in Terminal 1 near Gate B10.

About Chicago Department of Aviation

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at O’Hare and Midway International airports. Together, Chicago’s airports generate more than $45 billion in annual economic activity and create 540,000 jobs for the region. Please visit www.flychicago.com to learn more about the Chicago Department of Aviation.

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 $2.5 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 €5.7 billion in 2010, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,000 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.