May 27, 2026

HMSHost Secures New Contract at Norfolk International Airport, Expanding Its Portfolio of Local, Chef-driven Concepts and National Brands

Norfolk Airport Authority awards HMSHost a 12-year contract, reinforcing the travel food & beverage player’s commitment to curating distinctive and diverse dining options that elevate the travel experience

BETHESDA, Maryland (May 27, 2026) – HMSHost, part of global travel retail and food & beverage player Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL) and a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, announced today it won a new 12-year contract at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) as the airport undergoes its largest modernization in over 50 years.

Under the agreement, HMSHost will introduce a balanced mix of local and national brands, redeveloping more than 4,200 square feet of existing concessions space and nearly 2,000 square feet of new space across Concourses A and B to transform the passenger experience for millions of travelers at ORF.

In Concourse A, HMSHost will debut a beloved Virginia Beach-born café, The Stockpot, serving thoughtfully crafted food like nourishing bowls and ramen, fresh salads, biscuits, and more. Stockpot’s drink menu will feature top regional breweries that give travelers a genuine taste of Virginia’s craft beer culture and locally produced wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Commonwealth.

In Concourse B, HMSHost will unveil a permanent home for Chef Blake Sehestedt’s Ghost Kitchen food truck, a long-time local favorite and popular pop-up at ORF. At the new quick-service restaurant, travelers will be able to get their fix of crave-worthy burgers, sandwiches, and street food-inspired eats every time they visit ORF. Additionally, an automated retail hub inspired by Norfolk’s lively Waterside District, Waterside Bites, will offer travelers a one-stop-shop for hot and cold food and beverages.

In ORF’s Main Terminal, Buffalo Wild Wings, the largest sports bar chain in the U.S., will bring its signature game-day energy to the heart of ORF. The full-service sports bar will cater to travelers’ expectations for convenient and delicious food, offering fan-favorite items like traditional wings, boneless wings, chicken sandwiches, burgers, and more, alongside its 26 iconic sauces and dry rubs. Local beer and wine will offer travelers a taste of the region and a Buffalo Wild Wings GO — the first in HMSHost’s restaurant portfolio — will serve fast, fresh favorites on the go.

The arrival of two new Starbucks coffeehouses will bring more ways for travelers to refuel and recharge along their journey. Each location will offer a full lineup of handcrafted beverages, brewed coffees, and espresso drinks, along with a selection of fresh, on-the-go food options. Travelers can enjoy everything from warm breakfast sandwiches to wholesome bakery items, all crafted to bring comfort and ease to their journey.

“We’re tremendously proud of the food & beverage program we created for Norfolk International Airport, and we appreciate the trust Norfolk Airport Authority has in HMSHost as a partner in this significant modernization,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. “It’s a standout model of what strong partnership and a shared vision can deliver: enhanced choice, improved convenience, and an experience travelers can truly enjoy.”

“As we write the next chapters in ORF's story, it's been important to maintain an authenticity that represents those familiar tastes that make our region so beloved among residents and visitors alike,” said Mark Perryman, President and CEO of the Norfolk Airport Authority. “HMSHost understands that vision and has developed plans that will soon bring a mix of favored local eateries to ORF alongside many well-known and popular national brands. I applaud our partner's efforts and look forward to air travelers experiencing its selections on upcoming trips through Coastal Virginia.”

Digital engagement will be an essential part of the new dining experience, with in-store technology such as self-checkout, digital menu boards, order ready boards, and QR code order & 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.

As the major airport serving coastal Virginia and northeast North Carolina, ORF served nearly 5 million passengers and more than 86,000 flight operations in 2025. Skytrax, whose annual ratings are a global benchmark of airport standards, has awarded its 4-Star Regional Airport rating for two consecutive years, and honored ORF as the best in North America (No. 4 worldwide) on its 2025 ranking of the World’s Best Domestic Airports.

HMSHost will operate the new locations with four small business partners: Nia Corporation (Rosa R. and Hugo A. Owens, Jr.), FDY, Inc. (Najla and Keith Haywood), Holt Hospitality (Kevin Holt), and Evolve Vending (Valentina Ellison).