“We are very excited to partner with HMSHost to bring Umaizushi to our travelers,” said Ford Fuchigami, Deputy Director of Airports (DOTA) State of Hawaii Department of Transportation. “With its flavorful menu and elegant atmosphere, this restaurant provides a taste of the islands for our guests at Hawaii’s busiest airport.”

Umaizushi fuses classic Japanese cuisine with a striking contemporary ambiance created with bold strokes of black and white, along with orange hues, engaging all the senses. Skilled sushi artisans prepare culinary delights right in front of guests, from a menu designed to appeal to a diverse crowd of domestic and international travelers seeking an authentic dining experience.

Umaizushi’s menu features sushi lovers’ favorites as well as some more unique items such as the Hawaiian Roll, made with soy paper, fresh tuna, yellowtail, salmon, mango and avocado; and the Black Dragon Roll, made with shrimp tempura and cream cheese with unagi (eel), tobiko (flying fish roe), and unagi sauce. The menu also includes Japanese soups, salads, curries and Pan Asian noodle bowls.

“Honolulu International Airport is the perfect location to debut our latest restaurant, Umaizushi,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “Travelers from all over the world who are arriving to and departing from Honolulu can now experience authentic sushi so fresh and flavorful it could rival even the greatest tastes of Japan.”

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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 €6 billion in 2012, the Group operates in 38 countries and employs some 63,000 people. It manages approximately 5,300 stores in approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

“The launch of the NOC has significantly improved our technology reliability and performance by shifting the paradigm towards proactive monitoring of all technology assets – customer-facing and those used by our operations,” said Sarah Naqvi, Vice President of Systems at HMSHost. “Such a shift will significantly improve the customer’s experience, enhance the technology experience for our operations, and allow HMSHost to lay a strong and scalable technology foundation for future growth.”

Over the past few years, HMSHost’s technology footprint has expanded to include many customer-facing solutions. The expansion of a Wi-Fi offering by HMSHost in many of its locations has raised the expectations of reliable technology offerings. In response to these demands, and in order to optimize the technology experience for its customers, HMSHost worked diligently to create the NOC.

“I have seen a number of network operations centers across the seven-state territory I manage and HMSHost’s ranks at the top,” said Tim Barrett, Territory Sales Manager for WatchGuard Technologies, a provider of internet security solutions and network security appliances and HMSHost technology partner. “It’s obvious just at a glance that a tremendous amount of thought, hard work and dedication went into making it the kind of facility that advances the standard. WatchGuard is proud to be a part of it.”

The new NOC houses a team of network engineers and support personnel who specialize in the unique platform configurations of all systems used within the operations. This facility provides support for all of the company’s managed and hosted technologies, resulting in proactive monitoring of all systems which enables quick resolution of issues and significantly reduces system downtime.

“Our IT team is positioned to provide the highest levels of service, support and regulatory oversight. The new facility will arm our security team with gigabytes of correlated data, analyzed in seconds, and accessible from a centralized repository,” said Tom Fricke, President and CEO of HMSHost. “With these improved analysis tools, we will be able to identify suspicious activities across devices at any point in our Infrastructure and
ensure that all of our data, both customer data and internal data, remains safe.”

Tools deployed for NOC:

Microsoft, System Center Operations Manager 2012 – Monitoring of the multiple Microsoft server operating systems within the organization

IBM, Qradar – Central event log collection and real time event correlation from all Network switches, Routers, Firewalls, Access points, IDS, VPN, IronPort Web Proxies and Enterasys NAC as well as RADIUS, Domain Controller, DHCP, IIS, Oracle and SQL

Quest Software, Spotlight on SQL – Real Time monitoring of backend SQL Database systems

Quest Software, Spotlight on Messaging – Real Time Monitoring of Microsoft Exchange and BlackBerry Enterprise Server environments

Manage Engine, Application Monitor – Web Application monitoring system to ensure Service Availability and Application Performance

SolarWinds, Virtualization Manager – Performance and Health monitoring for all VMWare ESX virtualized server infrastructure

IpSwitch, What’s Up Gold – Network Monitoring of more than 3,500 Network devices for both availability as well as performance

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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 €6 billion in 2012, the Group operates in 38 countries and employs some 63,000 people. It manages approximately 5,300 stores in approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

“Being recognized by such an influential business publication as Entrepreneur is a great honor,” said HMSHost President and CEO Tom Fricke. “We serve thousands of business travelers every day at more than 100 airports around the world, and we are very pleased to know that many of these travelers will have the chance to experience one of our award-winning restaurants.”

Entrepreneur’s 2013 Best New Airport Bar

HMSHost first introduced its wine bar, Beaudevin, in the Brussels Airport in Belgium. Since then, Beaudevin, which loosely translates into “the beauty of wine,” has opened in Miami International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and most recently in Charlotte Douglas (N.C.) International Airport. In addition to a wide variety of red, white and sparkling wines, Beaudevin offers charcuterie and cheese plates, along with other small dishes, in a relaxing atmosphere that takes the business right out of travel.

Entrepreneur’s 2013 Best New Airport Restaurant

HMSHost opened Cowboy Ciao at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in November 2012. As part of several HMSHost restaurant openings in the airport’s Terminal 4, Cowboy Ciao, one of the region’s must-try restaurants, is an airport version of Peter Kasperski’s street side location in downtown Scottsdale, AZ. The restaurant started with a unique Southwest-meets-Italian premise that has evolved into a style best described as eclectic American, with menu items such as Southwest-rubbed pork shank osso buco.

In Entrepreneur’s May 2013 article about the awards, author Bruce Schoenfeld stated that when “you’re on the road, getting it done, it’s our goal to keep you in comfort and style as you do it.” He went on to say, “here, our picks for the most enjoyable, efficient and tasty new ways to go forth and conquer.”

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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 €6 billion in 2012, the Group operates in 38 countries and employs some 63,000 people. It manages approximately 5,300 stores in approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

“The restaurants that HMSHost has brought into Love Field’s Main Terminal are a perfect complement to the increased efficiency and convenience that has resulted from the Love Field Modernization Project,” said Dallas Love Field Director of Aviation Mark Duebner. “Passengers will now be able to enjoy a wide range of first-class delicious food and treats while visiting Love Field.”

La Madeleine Country French Café serves French-inspired cuisine that celebrates the love of fresh food made with high-quality ingredients. The first café opened its doors in Dallas 30 years ago, and today has grown to more than 60 cafés across the U.S. La Madeleine’s soft color palette and warm ambiance will offer Love Field travelers a relaxing escape to the French countryside where they can enjoy a variety of la Madeleine’s French specialties, pastries and desserts. La Madeleine will offer breakfast items, signature salads, sandwiches and soups, including the French café’s famous Caesar salad and tomato basil soup, as well as on-the-go options such as yogurt parfaits and sandwiches. Keeping with environmentally conscious features throughout the new terminal, the Love Field café uses reclaimed materials and efficient LED lighting.

Paciugo Gelato & Caffe is the go-to place for frozen treats and creamy drinks in Dallas, and now in the airport. Paciugo has a deep commitment to consistently provide authentic Italian Gelato made from the freshest ingredients. Always committed to exceeding guest expectations, Paciugo’s menu will be a favorite for travelers. The menu includes all-natural, Fair Trade, 100% Arabica coffee and espresso-based drinks, as well as gelato-based specialty desserts. The Affogato Frappe blends espresso and gelato to create a velvety smooth ice-cold beverage. Materials used in construction of the new Paciugo’s eclectic interior design are also ecologically mindful. Wood veneers, LED lighting, and recycled content porcelain flooring.

Cool River Café has become well known among fine dining aficionados and committed carnivores in the Dallas area and now offers the opportunity to experience upscale dining in the airport. Travelers will be comforted by a warm and inviting environment enhanced by rich wood accents and river stonework while enjoying Certified Angus steaks, fresh innovative seafood, sandwiches, small plates and salads. Cool River also boasts an award-winning wine list and a warm and inviting environment. Some menu highlights include dinner favorites such as the Jim Beam marinated rib-eye, a 7oz. petite filet, Chilean sea bass, and pommeray salmon. For lunch there are a variety of choices too; a savory prime rib sandwich and chipotle burger, mango chicken salad, and pepper tenderloin salad, and entrées like the delta blue barbeque ribs will satisfy larger appetites.

Without Starbucks, no modern travel venue would be complete, and Dallas Love Field’s new Main Terminal ensures travelers the ability to rely on the consistent quality and legendary service of this revolutionary coffee company. Dallas travelers can customize their beverage of choice while enjoying some of Starbucks’ signature coffee-friendly snacks like chocolate biscotti, scones, a blueberry muffin, or a chicken ciabatta sandwich. This urban concept brings an international style to Love Field by using regional artwork, LED lighting and culturally relevant finishes.

Chick-fil-A offers several delicious all-American flavors for travelers to choose from, whether craving a lighter, healthier option like a salad or chargrilled chicken sandwich or having a handspun milkshake; Chick-fil-A’s menu has got something for everyone. Salads and wraps are prepared to order and the lemonade is freshly squeezed. The restaurant’s space in the terminal is also defined by ecologically mindful, yet inviting building materials such as recycled porcelain floor tiles and terrazzo countertops.

“All of the new restaurants that HMSHost has at Dallas Love Field are representative of Dallas’ culture and were also developed with an emphasis on being ecologically-friendly,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “Love Field now has an excellent mix of food and beverage options for travelers and HMSHost takes great delight in being able to partner with Dallas Love Field in their efforts to lead the revolution of the airport experience.”

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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 €6 billion in 2012, the Group operates in 38 countries and employs some 63,000 people. It manages approximately 5,300 stores in approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

Ho Chi Minh, 9 April 2013 – HMSHost, a world leader in travel dining, has signed a joint venture with Vietnam Food and Beverage Services Company, part of Imex Pan Pacific Group, Vietnam’s major food and beverage provider. The new joint venture, Autogrill VFS F&B Company  Services, will be the major player in the Vietnamese airports. The new company will operate over 80 points of sale at different Vietnam airports with estimated annual overall revenue of more than 20 million USD on reaching capacity planned by the end of 2014.

“We are very excited about bringing HMSHost, the world’s leading travel related F&B operator, to our country,” says IPP Group President Le Hong ThuyTien. “The collaboration will not only involve major investments and new employment, but more importantly: HMSHost will also bring its international expertise and knowledge. Combined with our expertise of the local market, we can together further improve the quality of Vietnamese airport restaurants.”

F&B concepts that meet the needs of travellers
Autogrill VFS F&B Company currently operates the 28 points of sale at Ho Chi Minh, Phu Quoc and Da Nang airports. Concepts include Western brands such as hamburger specialist Burger King, the American restaurant chain Domino’s Pizza and Popeye’s Chicken, which shows off its New Orleans heritage with authentic spicy chicken. In addition, the group operates Asian restaurants such as the casual Asian restaurants Big Bowl, Next Noodles as well as Kaisha Sushi that offers a wide variety of Japanese noodles and sushi. An additional six new food & beverage concepts will be opened at Hanoi airport in the second half of the year. An aggressive development roll-out will result in a further 48 outlets across all airports in Vietnam over the next eighteen months. “We have extensive experience in the development of new concepts that meet the needs of all kinds of travellers”, says HMSHost International CEO Walter Seib. “Trends in food and beverages depend on where in the world you are. In Vietnam for instance, we will develop concepts that work with local products and ingredients that embraces the great local food heritage of Vietnam. Overall, there will be a good balance between international, regional and local brands at every airport. This is a major step for our company into one of the emerging markets in Asia that we have been targeting.”

Vietnamese airports with international standards
After China and India, Vietnam is the country expected to see the fastest growth in terms of passenger traffic (at an average of 8.6% a year until 2020). To meet this rising demand its government will invest around $20 billion to further develop the airport sector over the next few years. The government sets out to upgrade its airports to international standards. The joint venture will support this ambition. Around 90% of the 37 million passengers moved by Vietnamese airports every year is concentrated in the country’s top three airports (Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Da Nang). Located on the south coast – near Vietnam’s biggest urban area – Ho Chi Minh Airport is the country’s busiest airport with around 16 million passengers in 2011. Hanoi – the capital’s airport and the most important in the north – is the second busiest with over 9 million transits. Da Nang – in the central zone where the country’s main industries are situated – is the third largest airport with around 3 million passengers.
 
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.

About Vietnam Food and Beverage Services Company
Vietnam Food and Beverage Services Company is part of Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPP Group). IPP Group is the biggest Duty Free operator in Vietnam, covering 80% of the total market. The company is also an exclusive distributor of certain top fashion brands (Chanel, Cartier, Rolex, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, Bally, Tommy Hilfiger, NIKE, GAP, DIESEL, Banana Republic, etc.) and a number of alcohol brands, including Hennessy, Moet & Chandon, Glenmorangie. The Group operates in the Food & Beverage sector with bars and restaurants on high streets and in the country’s main airports.

HMSHost continued its longtime support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in 2012, raising nearly $490,000 in North America through its network of point-sale collection canisters. Generous guests donated money into canisters. HMSHost then transferred these funds to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Twelve of HMSHost’s airport locations participated in the fundraising. The largest collections in 2012 came from Las Vegas International Airport with over $180,000. Another major fundraiser, Los Angeles International Airport raised $115,000. Since HMSHost and Children’s Miracle Network began this relationship in 2009, HMSHost has assisted in raising approximately $1.98 million for the Children’s cause.

“Thanks to the generosity of HMSHost and the travelers that pass through their stores, children across North America have access to the life-saving medical care they deserve,” said John Lauck, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “We appreciate the support HMSHost provides to the children’s hospitals in their communities and look forward to another year of great results to improve children’s healthcare.”

HMSHost’s charitable activities also benefited United Service Organizations (USO), WHY Hunger, United Way, Goodwill, American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club, and Susan G. Komen, among other organizations. HMSHost’s charitable giving procedures give Company leaders the ability to select important local foundations. This approach leads to representation for a wide variety of local organizations.

“HMSHost employees are committed to being active members of the communities we serve and to contributing to those who are in need,” said President and CEO of HMSHost Tom Fricke. “Our unique business model with the localized knowledge and support of our restaurant operators gives HMSHost the ability to do charitable giving on an extremely local level, while still supporting the efforts of vital national organizations.”

When urgent national events and unforeseen natural disasters occur, HMSHost strives to respond. The Company quickly enacted response efforts to aid those affected by Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012. A national cash register based customer donation program raised $50,000 for the American Red Cross. HMSHost also directly donated $20,000 to the American Red Cross. HMSHost remains committed to helping those who suddenly find themselves in urgent need of assistance.

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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 €6 billion in 2012, the Group operates in 38 countries and employs some 63,000 people. It manages approximately 5,300 stores in approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4.7 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.

“Durgin-Park is a perfect brand to convey the charming characteristics of Boston’s historic harbor dining scene to travelers,” said Aviation Business General Manager Sal Amico, Massachusetts Port Authority. “Working with our partner, HMSHost to implement Durgin-Park at the airport is something I think Bostonians and travelers alike can really appreciate.”

Durgin-Park is a definitive Boston establishment and has been a downtown landmark since 1827. With over a century of deeply rooted history and nostalgic significance, Durgin-Park serves classic dishes from a menu that offers traditional New England-style fare. Menu highlights include New England clam chowder, lobster, roast prime rib, Yankee pot roast, fresh fried clam roll, and homemade Boston baked beans. Beer, wine, and spirits are also available.

“Bringing Durgin-Park to Boston Logan is an excellent way to give travelers a genuine taste of Boston culture and the traditional cuisine,” said, HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “HMSHost is proud to be operating an iconic brand with regional importance for travelers to enjoy in Boston.”

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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 €6 billion in 2012, the Group operates in 38 countries and employs some 63,000 people. It manages approximately 5,300 stores in approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

The National Restaurant Association is the leading restaurant industry organization in the United States and this is the second consecutive year for the Operator Innovations Awards.

HMSHost’s food safety nomination is based on the company’s comprehensive approach to food safety. The program features an audit process that goes beyond evaluation to integrate consultation and training, enabling the company to ensure strict, uniform food safety in its airport and motorway travel plaza restaurants.

HMSHost was selected in the menu development category for its Freedom to Choose platform. The internally developed, web based tool gives HMSHost’s restaurant operators access to hundreds of menu items in order to quickly and easily tailor menus that reflect airport consumer demands and prevalent regional trends.

Sheila Bliss, Director of Quality Assurance, and Annamarie Pintozzi, Corporate Chef and Senior Manager Culinary will represent HMSHost for their respective award categories at the 2013 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show – held May 18-21 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

“HMSHost is honored to receive this recognition from the National Restaurant Association for our food safety and menu development programs,” said HMSHost Chief Operating Officer, Pat Banducci. “We are especially proud of Sheila Bliss and Annamarie Pintozzi for their creativity and execution that resulted in our selection as a finalist.”

The Operator Innovations Awards conference is a gathering of industry leaders to celebrate and examine significant industry innovations. These awards recognize successful restaurant and foodservice operators that are leading the progression of the food and beverage industry. Judging is done by a panel of non-partisan judges with a breadth of foodservice industry experience and knowledge.

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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 €6 billion in 2012, the Group operates in 38 countries and employs some 63,000 people. It manages approximately 5,300 stores in approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

“Passenger response to this enhanced meal offering has been extremely promising,” said Atousa Ghoreichi, Vice President, Concept Marketing Promotion at HMSHost. “We were confident that travelers would be interested in the option to purchase a fresh, high quality meal onboard, and we‟re very excited to be partnering with Hawaiian Airlines to provide them with this option.”

“We are always identifying ways to improve our guests‟ experience,” said Blaine Miyasato, Vice President Product Development/Brand at Hawaiian Airlines. “While the hallmark of our service in the economy cabin is our complimentary meals at meal time product; our partnership with HMSHost provides added choice and convenience and allows us to offer well established, world class dining experiences perfectly complementing our award winning brand. We are thrilled to work together with HMSHost.”

Together, HMSHost and Hawaiian Airlines will also consider future opportunities for bringing delicious, high quality meals to passengers, to continually enhance their in-flight travel experience.

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past nine years (2004-2012) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Zagat have all ranked Hawaiian the highest of all domestic airlines serving Hawai’i.

Now in its 84th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawai’i's biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the largest provider of passenger air service from its primary visitor markets on the U.S. mainland. Hawaiian offers nonstop service to Hawai„i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, American Samoa, and Tahiti. New nonstop service begins this year between Honolulu and Auckland, New Zealand on March 13; Sendai, Japan on June 25; and Taipei, Taiwan on July 9. Hawaiian also provides approximately 160 daily jet flights between the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow updates on Twitter about Hawaiian (@HawaiianAir) and its special fare offers (@HawaiianFares), and become a fan on its Facebook page (Hawaiian Airlines).

“We couldn’t be happier to be bringing these three restaurants to our travelers,” said Ingrid Hairston, Business Development Officer at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. “With so much history in this area, the ACC American Café will be a hit with all ACC fans, no matter what team you support, and together with Starbucks and La Tapenade, the combination will be just the right offering.”

The Raleigh-Durham area is a hotbed for the Atlantic Coast Conference, one of the country’s most storied and prolific college sports conferences, which makes it the perfect venue for the first ACC American Café. The walls of the Café will be covered in historic photos, “Player of the Week” features, real-time scoreboards and live ACC Network games, which will reflect the timeless spirit of the conference. The menu at ACC American Café will appeal to all lifestyles with items crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Salads can be topped with a variety of ingredients including seared tofu, blackened tilapia, lemon-thyme chicken or cabernet-marinated flat iron steak. Travelers can also choose from a variety of sandwiches, such as genuine North Carolina barbecue or tilapia with Georgia peach relish, and signature dishes like the jalapeno glazed half chicken.

The ACC American Café isn’t just about the food, as the ACC and HMSHost will use a portion of the proceeds from the restaurant to sponsor scholarships as part of the ACC Postgraduate Scholarship program. The scholarships are awarded annually to select student-athletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree following completion of their undergrad requirements. HMSHost will also offer internship opportunities for ACC students who are studying in fields such as restaurant management, construction management and culinary development.

Joining the ACC American Café is La Tapenade, HMSHost’s exclusive Mediterranean café that offers a variety of fresh and healthy sandwiches and flatbread pizzas topped with fire-roasted vegetables, specialty meats and a broad assortment of cheeses. HMSHost will also be opening a Starbucks which will allow travelers to grab their favorite coffee or espresso drink and a variety of grab-and-go menu items.

“HMSHost is ecstatic to have the opportunity to help revamp the dining landscape at Raleigh-Durham International Airport,” said Bryan Loden, Senior Director of Business Development at HMSHost. “Working with the team at the ACC to open the first ACC American Café has been extremely exciting, as well as bringing Starbucks and our own concept La Tapenade to travelers.”

“We are proud to partner with HMSHost to bring the pageantry and excitement of the ACC and our member institutions to the patrons of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. “This is a terrific opportunity to showcase our league’s student athletes, coaches, teams and institutions in a first-class environment.”

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining 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. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost and Twitter @HMSHost.

About the Atlantic Coast Conference

The Atlantic Coast Conference, now in its 60th year of competition, has long enjoyed the reputation as one of the strongest and most competitive intercollegiate conferences in the nation. Since the league’s inception in 1953, ACC schools have captured 127 national championships, including 67 in women’s competition and 60 in men’s. In addition, NCAA individual titles have gone to ACC student-athletes 146 times in men’s competition and 102 times in women’s action. For more information, visit theACC.com.