Apr 25, 2016

HMSHost Wins Toronto Pearson International Airport Restaurant Contract

Shanghai 360, Smoke’s Burritorie, and Smashburger to open this summer

TORONTO — Three new restaurants from global restaurateur HMSHost will soon open for travellers to enjoy at Toronto Pearson International Airport. HMSHost was awarded an 8-year contract valued at more than $57 million (CAD) to operate these new spaces in Terminal 3’s revamped Domestic/International departures area. The contract brings new local and nationally recognizable brands to Toronto travellers. HMSHost partnered locally with Smoke’s Burritorie and nationally with the Innovated Restaurant Group on Shanghai 360 and with Smashburger to create a well-balanced dining offering for travellers to enjoy. The three new restaurants are scheduled to open summer 2016.

“We are very excited to have been awarded these new restaurant spaces in Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is a great partner and we look forward to providing these unique and exciting options to travellers in the near future,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Amy Dunne. “Each of these brands are deeply focused and dedicated to the type of food they serve and this translates to a variety of top quality offerings that will appeal to Toronto’s diverse international traveller base.”

“At Toronto Pearson, we seek out opportunities to give passengers a range of choices and access to some of the great food coming out of the local food scene,” said Michael Ross, Director of Commercial Development, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “The new Terminal 3 restaurants give travellers through our airport the variety they want and a great taste of our city and the world.”

Smoke’s Burritorie is the newest brand to launch from the iconic Smoke’s Poutinerie family of brand extensions, founded by Ryan Smolkin. Smoke’s Burritorie is cut from the Smoke’s family of brands that all started with Smoke’s Poutinerie and Smoke’s Weinerie, local Toronto restaurants with tremendous brand power; there are over 100 Smoke’s locations in the US and Canada today. Smoke’s Burritorie serves enticing, full-bodied burritos stuffed with ingredients like pork, carne asada chorizo, conchinita chicken and Smoke’s signature rice, beans, sour cream, cheese, and other fresh ingredients. Customized toppings like signature salsas, fresh jalapenos, and the option of a gluten-free corn tortilla make the Smoke’s experience customizable for every guest.

Shanghai 360 has 12 thriving locations across Ontario and was created by Toronto-based Innovated Restaurant Group, which operates more than 170 locations across the US and Canada. The Shanghai 360 brand was inspired by Shanghai Tang, the first Chinese luxury fashion brand, which is reflected in Shanghai 360’s bold, sleek, and sophisticated style. Shanghai 360 features authentic Chinese cuisine in a quick-service format. Cooking is done at open wok-stations and dishes are stir-fried to order. A true Shanghainese food experience with custom designed steam tables featuring vibrant displays of dim sum in bamboo steamers will captivate travellers. Diners at Shanghai 360 will also enjoy relaxing with a bowl of soothing traditional noodle soup from the fresh noodle bar.

Smashburger, a fast casual burger restaurant with everlasting momentum continues to delight the taste buds of modern burger lovers with its signature cooking process. Every Smashburger burger starts with 100% Black Angus Beef that is “smashed” on the grill and seared to seal in the juices. Smashburger’s sandwiches are topped with garden-fresh ingredients, and healthy salads make a great option before a flight; but the Smashfries, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil are a tough option to pass up. Specialty menu offerings for the local market include the Toronto Smashburger and Toronto Smashchicken, each topped with seasoned grilled onions, pepper jack cheese, double Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Dijon mustard, all on a Kaiser roll.

HMSHost currently operates 28 locations in Toronto Pearson International Airport including Twist by Roger Mooking, The Hearth by Lynn Crawford, Caplansky’s Delicatessen, LEE Kitchen, Paramount Fine Foods, Starbucks, and more.