Jul 17, 2025

HMSHost Awarded Contracts to Unveil 14 New Dining Concepts at San Antonio International Airport

The award-winning restaurateur will bring the rich flavors, flair, and culture of San Antonio to Terminals A and B via numerous new casual-dining and quick-service restaurants

BETHESDA, Maryland (July 17, 2025) – Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL) and a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, today announced it has been awarded a new 10-year contract and an additional five-year lease extension at San Antono International Airport (SAT) to open 14 new dining concepts and continue serving travelers at another long-time favorite, significantly expanding a local culinary partnership that began with Chef Johnny Hernandez in 2012. The concessions program across more than 19,800 ft² is part of the airport’s multi-billion-dollar improvement plan and will bring many local, award-winning, chef-driven concepts to Terminals A and B — each offering a true taste of San Antonio and collectively enhancing San Antonio’s designation as one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the U.S.

HMSHost’s and Chef Johnny’s new culinary program will be a transformative, hyper-local offering that will showcase the rich flavors, flair, and culture of the surrounding community through partnerships with even more of San Antonio’s most renowned chefs, including several recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards and Michelin Guide.

In Terminal A, the culinary partnership will provide travelers award-winning fare including Chef Johnny’s Mercado, Southtown Market, and La Gloria from Chef Johnny Hernandez; Tre Pizzeria from Chef Jason Dady; Freight Fried Chicken from Chef Nicola Blaque; and an array of healthy options at Pharm Table from Chef Elizabeth Johnson. HMSHost will also open a location of Panda Express and a proprietary tequila bar, a collaboration between HMSHost, Chef Johnny, and Herradura inspired by the birthplace of tequila — a story that will be shared through its exquisite selection of margaritas.

In Terminal B, the partnership will introduce Southerleigh from Chef Jeff Balfour; 2M Smokehouse from Chef Esaul Ramos, Jr.; The Tasting Room by Becker Vineyards, a cornerstone of Texas Hill Country wine; and Bakery Lorraine, named one of the “Top 10 Bakeries in the U.S.” by Fodor’s. HMSHost will also provide travelers with added dining options from some of their favorite national brands, Popeye’s and Dunkin’.

“Every few years, an opportunity presents itself to transform the experience at an airport — and this is certainly one of those opportunities,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. “We are proud to be a part of the evolution of San Antonio International Airport and to collaborate with such an exceptional group of chef partners that reflect the culinary diversity of the city. Our hope is that through this elevated concessions program, travelers will choose to fly through or to SAT because the food experience makes their journey as exciting as the destination.”

“Nothing makes me happier than being joined by this amazing lineup of award-winning chefs. They represent San Antonio’s best,” said Chef Johnny. “It’s unheard of to have this much culinary talent in any airport, and we are grateful to have airport leadership that values the importance of supporting our local chef-owned businesses.”

“San Antonio is a city brimming with culture and cuisine, so to feature these award-winning chefs and their signature concepts at San Antonio International Airport is a culinary victory,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, City of San Antonio. “This partnership with HMSHost and each of these nationally and internationally recognized chefs will elevate the culinary experience in our city.”

Digital technology will be an essential part of these new dining venues, with in-store technology such as OpenTable virtual waitlist, QR code order and pay, self-order kiosks, digital menu boards, and self-checkout, helping to create a frictionless journey for guests. Travelers will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, gaining access to exclusive offers and cross-promotions.

HMSHost will operate the new dining venues as joint ventures with multiple Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners, including Johnny Hernandez, owner, True Flavors, Inc.; Nicola Blaque, Chef/Owner, Freight Chicken; Allison Balfour, Co-owner of Southerleigh Hospitality Group; and Crystal Dady, Owner of Tre Pizzeria.