Nov 20, 2025
HMSHost Awarded 10-year Contract to Debut Local Craft Distillery in Washington Dulles International Airport’s New Concourse E
HMSHost will bring a unique taste of the region to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area’s largest airport with a new bar and restaurant from MurLarkey Distilled Spirits
BETHESDA, Maryland (Nov. 20, 2025) – Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL) and a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, today announced it won a 10-year contract to bring the award-winning craft spirits of Northern Virginia-born MurLarkey Distilled Spirits to Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Fraport Washington Partnership, which manages concessions for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), awarded HMSHost the contract to open the 970 ft2 bar and restaurant, MurLarkey Distilled Spirits Flights & Bites, which will debut in late 2026 with the opening of Dulles International’s new 14-gate Concourse E.
“HMSHost has called the National Capital Region home for many years, so we welcome the opportunity to partner with MWAA, Fraport, and MurLarkey Distilled Spirits to make the journey through Dulles International one that reflects the surrounding community — in this instance, the thriving craft beverage scene built by talented local entrepreneurs,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. “We are grateful to share the vision of what a reimagined traveler experience at Dulles International can be and look forward to unveiling this exciting taste of place in Concourse E.”
“As part of the Airports Authority’s Dulles Next airport construction program, the new Concourse E will accommodate future growth and provide a premier travel experience for our passengers. By featuring MurLarkey Distilled Spirits at Dulles International, the airport will showcase the creativity and quality that define Northern Virginia’s local producers,” said Chryssa Westerlund, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the traveler experience with authentic regional offerings that connect the airport to the community it serves.”
Voted the “Best Distillery in Northern Virginia” and “Best Cocktails in Northern Virginia” by Virginia Living magazine for three consecutive years, MurLarkey Distilled Spirits will allow travelers to discover its premium spirits — including its Birthright Bourbon, Heritage Barrel Aged Whiskey, Papi’s Salsa Borracha Vodka, and Imagination Botanical Gin — alongside an all-day menu thoughtfully composed by HMSHost chefs with premium ingredients to pair beautifully with the elevated tasting experience.
“We are thrilled to bring MurLarkey’s award-winning spirits and heartfelt hospitality to Dulles International Airport — a gateway to the world and a proud symbol of our region’s innovation and culture. This partnership with HMSHost and MWAA allows us to share the spirit of Virginia with travelers from every corner of the globe, offering them a uniquely local, elevated experience. 'Flights & Bites’ isn’t just a bar — it’s a taste of home, wherever you're headed. As proud champions of Virginia agri-tourism, we’re honored to represent the best of our state’s farms, fields, and flavors on a global stage,” said Tom Murray, MurLarkey CEO.
Digital technology will be an essential part of the dining venue, with in-store technology such as QR code order and pay, allowing for greater convenience and speed. Travelers will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, gaining access to exclusive offers, rewards, and cross-promotions.
HMSHost will operate the new location with two local partners: Puddin’, LLC (Toyin Ali) and Icon Foods, Inc (Tisha Skinner).
About Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates the U.S. Capital Region’s gateways to the nation and the world, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, the Dulles Airport Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road. The Authority also managed construction of the Silver Line, a 23-mile extension of the Washington region’s Metrorail public transit system through northern Virginia, which began service to Dulles International in 2022.
About HMSHost
HMSHost, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL), is a leader in creating dining for travel venues.
The restaurateur operates over 1,000 locations in nearly 80 airports across North America,
including proprietary concepts, local, regional, and national brands, and partnerships with award-winning chefs.
For decades, HMSHost has curated food and beverage programs that make a traveler’s journey as exciting as the destination.
The industry has repeatedly recognized HMSHost with awards such as Restaurateur with the Highest Regard for Customer Service and Best Brand Restaurateur for Shake Shack by Airport Experience News. In recent years, USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards has awarded first place honors to HMSHost's Three Kings Public House at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and its Whisky River locations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). ACI-NA, the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, recognized HMSHost with the 2020 Associate Inclusion Champion Award for leadership and achievement in the ongoing inclusion of business and workforce diversity, outreach, and advocacy. Additionally, ACI-NA awarded HMSHost the 2024 Excellence in Airport Concessions Award for the Best Employee Recognition Program. The company also creates original, award-winning events and campaigns including Airport Restaurant Month, Channel Your Inner Chef live culinary contest, 1,000 Acts of Kindness, JBF@ORD Chef Series, and Eat Well. Travel Further.
Visit HMSHost.com for more information and connect with HMSHost on LinkedIn and Instagram.
