gate2board: HMSHost Awarded Contract Extensions In Palm Beach, Sarasota and Sacramento

HMSHost Corporation has been awarded contract extensions at Palm Beach International Airport in Flordia, the busy Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, and Sacramento International Airport.

Palm Beach International Airport, Florida

The 10-year extension contract is a joint venture with Tarra Enterprises and includes the construction of a new restaurant in the expanded Terminal C, as well as the growth and renovation of existing brands throughout the other airport terminals. County commissioners recently approved the Seventh Amendment that continues the HMSHost lease through the year 2024.

Terminal C, whose dominant carriers include Delta and Air Tran, will be expanded in October 2007 to include a new 3,488 square foot Chili’s Too (between Gates C7 and C9), a first for the airport. Construction will be completed in the first quarter of 2008. At the casual full service restaurant, themed after a Southwestern-styled street side café, travelers can relax and enjoy popular dishes such as the Sizzling Fajitas and Big Mouth Burgers.

For passengers who want a leaner option, The Guiltless Grill menu features dishes that are high in Southwestern flavor, but low in calories. Chili’s Too will serve soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails, including the famous Margarita Presidente.

“To-go” items will be available from a separate line from a quick service menu.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Florida

The new agreement runs until 2022 with the following new facilities opening in spring 2008 as part of phase one:

Starbucks Coffee (Post-Security Area) - The finest purveyor of coffee in the world and America’s most recognizable coffee brand. Starbucks will serve richly brewed Italian style espresso drinks, tea, pastries, confections, light sandwiches and salads in a casual café setting.

Freshens, the popular soft serve frozen yogurt and smoothies brand, will open pre-security in fall 2008 as part of phase two.

12th Fairway Bar and Grill (Pre-Security Area) - Developed in cooperation with Golf Digest Magazine to cater to travelers who are golf aficionados and scotch lovers alike, this restaurant delivers the sophistication of a European golf clubhouse and the sensibility of an American bar and grill. The full service restaurant serves a selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner items including traditional sandwiches, entrées and salads, plus a full bar specializing in unique scotch selections.

Said Kevin Erickson, Vice President, Business Development for HMSHost,

“We are excited to offer these excellent brands and believe they will be embraced by travelers making their way through Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.”

Sacramento International Airport, California

HMSHost will provide Sacramento travelers with increased dining options as part of a contract extension to 2014. The five-year extension – plus a two-year option - paves the way for new brands passengers enjoy.

Construction on the new locations has recently begun, with most of the work to be completed by the end of the year. Joining current dining venues Gordon Biersch, Chili’s Too, Starbucks Coffee, Sbarro and Prospector’s Pub will be:

Lemon Grass - A casual Vietnamese and Thai eatery with an emphasis on freshness that takes its inspiration from Southeast Asian street food and market kitchens. (Located in Terminal A)
Quiznos - A tasty and fresh alternative to traditional fast-food, Quiznos offers mouthwatering sandwiches on artisan breads, fresh salads and hearty soups to the traveling public. (Located in Terminal A)
Starbucks Coffee - The three new airport locations will offer specialty coffee beverages, an array of pastries, sandwiches, salads and snacks, and fresh roasted coffee by the pound. (Located in Terminals A and B)
Saladworks – A café offering an extensive array of choices including uniquely flavorful salads and wraps, sandwiches, soups and more. All made to order with generous portions of the finest, fresh-cut ingredients. (Located in Terminal A)

(Photos: HMSHost)