Harry & Izzy's Awarded Title Of "Best U.S. Airport Food" By USA Today

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harry & Izzy's location at the Indianapolis International Airport, operated by SSP America and Harry & Izzy's Inc., is proud to announce the distinction of being named the "Best U.S. Airport Food" restaurant by USA Today.  Results of the contest were based on the highest number of online votes received during a four-week period.  The competition included 20 nominees selected by veteran travel columnist Harriet Baskas on the basis of food, service, views, location, uniqueness, friendliness and ambiance.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130809/NE61757)

"Our favorite recognition is when guests tell us they prefer arriving at Indianapolis International Airport early enough to dine with us before their flight departs," said Craig Huse, co-proprietor of Harry & Izzy's. "Simply being nominated for USA Today's award is a great honor.  Actually winning this award is humbling considering the other fine restaurants that are making U.S. airports celebrated dining destinations."

Harry and Izzy's, a tribute to the founders of St. Elmo Steak House – Harry Roth and Izzy Rosen – is a beloved landmark in the Circle City. St. Elmo has changed little since it was founded in 1902. Known for its exceptional American fare and outstanding service, the airport restaurant made its debut to Indianapolis International Airport in November of 2008. Passengers are offered the same great service and iconic menu items such as the famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail, steaks, chops and fresh seafood.

Pat Murray, executive vice president of SSP America commented, "SSP America is pleased to share this distinct honor with Craig Huse and his team at Harry & Izzy's.  This award recognizes the superior dining experience our teams have jointly worked hard to bring to Indianapolis International Airport and its passengers.  We are grateful to the Indianapolis Airport Authority for the opportunity to showcase one of America's legendary steakhouses."

"We congratulate Harry & Izzy's for its first-place showing in this national poll," said Archie Carper, retail director for the Indianapolis Airport Authority. "This iconic Indianapolis restaurant is an important facet of IND's award-winning concessionaire program, which is dedicated to offering our passengers the best airport food and retail experience in the country."

About Harry & Izzy's

Harry & Izzy's is an independent, upscale American Grill located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, the North side of Indianapolis and Indianapolis International Airport Concourse A between gates A4 and A6. Its ambience exudes class and sophistication in a comfortable setting. While the lively bar is Harry & Izzy's focal point, unique dining rooms incorporate dark woods, lush fabrics and a deep color palette. This sister restaurant to the world-famous St. Elmo Steak House, shares a few classic dishes, while offering more menu variety. All Harry & Izzy's locations are open for lunch and dinner daily and the airport location also serves breakfast every day.

About SSP

SSP is the leading dedicated provider of food and beverage brands in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafes, food courts, lounges and convenience stores in airports, train stations, motorway service stations and other leisure locations. With a heritage stretching back over 60 years, today SSP has 30,000 employees, serving over a million customers every day. It has business at over 140 airports and over 250 rail stations, and operates more than 2,100 units in 30 countries around the world.

SSP operates an extensive portfolio of over 200 international, national, local and specialty brands. These include Upper Crust, Starbucks, Caffe Ritazza, Burger King, M&S Simply Food, Millie's Cookies, O'Learys, Caviar House & Prunier, and leading Asian brands Ajisen Ramen and Saboten, as well as stunning bespoke concepts such as the Montreux Jazz Cafe in Geneva and the award winning Center Bar at Zurich.

Its brand portfolio is tailored for each specific location, depending on variables such as passenger profile, consumer need states, location type, size and design.

About SSP America/SSP Canada

SSP America/Canada operates in more than 40 airports across North America bringing a variety of local, regional and national brands to the traveling consumer at a vast array of price ranges. Third party brands in the company's broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Gordon Biersch, Panda Express, Tigin, Peet's Coffee & Tea, T.G.I. Friday's, Tim Hortons, The Great American Bagel and Buffalo Wild Wings. SSP America's brand portfolio also includes strong, local award-winning icons such as Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, Harry & Izzy's, Nonna Bartolotta's, and Alterra Coffee. For more information, please visit www.foodtravelexperts.com/America.

About the Indianapolis Airport Authority        
The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana's largest airport system. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport, its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport, Indianapolis Regional Airport, and Metropolitan Airport. IND has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing it as a leader within its class, including best airport in North America in 2010 and 2012 in Airports Council International's annual Airport Service Quality awards. IND is the first airport in the U.S. to win LEED® certification for an entire terminal campus, and the airport has won recognition for excellent customer service, concessions programs, and art and architecture.

IND's economic impact in Central Indiana is more than $4.5 billion annually, and about 10,000 people work at the airport each day. IND serves more than 7 million business and leisure travelers each year and averages 137 daily flights to 32 nonstop destinations. Home of the world's second-largest FedEx Express operation and the nation's eighth-largest cargo facility, IND is committed to becoming the airport system of choice for both passenger and cargo service. For more information, visit IND's Facebook page at Indianapolis International Airport and Twitter page at @INDairport.

SOURCE SSP America