SSP America Takes Center Stage at 2010 ACI-NA Concessions Conference Award Show

LANSDOWNE, Va., Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- SSP America, the North American division of SSP, the leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, announced today that they, in conjunction with their airport partners, are the recipients of five major awards in three separate categories at the 2010 ACI-NA Richard A. Griesbach Excellence in Airport Concessions Contest Award Ceremony hosted by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) represents local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada, and is the largest of the five worldwide regions of Airports Council International (ACI).  The prestigious award ceremony recognizes "innovative spirit and outstanding achievement in airport concession practices" in airports across North America.

SSP's wins highlight their pioneering contribution to the airport concessions industry and are reflective of what strong airport/operator partnerships can achieve in bringing creative, forward-looking concepts to passengers across the nation.

SSP America's awards include:

Best Food and Beverage Program

1st Place:  John F. Kennedy International Airport – Terminal 4

In partnership with JFK IAT, LLC, SSP America is the sole food and beverage operator at Terminal 4.  Opened in 2009, the flagship concessionaire model includes the premiere airport location of nationally acclaimed The Palm restaurant and the first North American location of world famous Seafood Bar by Caviar House & Prunier.  The wide-ranging food and beverage choices, reflective of JFK's role as gateway to the United States and New York's role as melting pot of the world, also includes Peet's Coffee & Tea; Zpizza; Panda Express; Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar; Upper Crust and Panopolis.

Best New Food and Beverage Concept

1st Place:  Nonna Bartolotta's, General Mitchell International Airport, Concourse D

Nonna Bartolotta's is a part of the Bartolotta Restaurant Group and a much loved Milwaukee favorite serving a traditional Northern Italian menu created by Ristorante Bartolotta Head Chef, Juan Urbieta. 

2nd Place:  Tigin Irish Pub & Restaurant, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 4

Providing a taste of home to passengers from Ireland, the Tigin Irish Pub & Restaurant at JFK pays homage to ancient Irish law that promises to deliver "food, drink, a warm bed if possible, and entertainment" to its guests.

Honorable Mention:  Le Grand Comptoir, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal C

Le Grand Comptoir is a trendy French brasserie emanating hip Euro style and sleek modern charm.  Serving over 50 selections of domestic and international wines by the glass and 100 by the bottle, all complementing a creative wide-ranging upscale menu.

Best "Green" Concession Practice or Concept

1st Place:  Alterra Coffee, General Mitchell International Airport

Well known to caffeine connoisseurs throughout the metro-Milwaukee area, SSP America serves up FAIRTRADE and certified organic coffee across reclaimed wood countertops to travelers with its three urban, edgy Alterra Coffee shops at MKE.

Les Cappetta, president and CEO of SSP America, elated, "This is a proud day for SSP America and a key moment for the industry.  Our multiple awards are a clear recognition that the industry is ready for change and innovation -- fresh ideas, green practices and new concepts that elevate the way travelers eat in airports.  We are proud to be at the forefront of that change and are delighted to be recognized for bringing the food and beverage standard in our industry to a new level."

About SSP

SSP is the leading dedicated operator 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, shopping malls, conference centers and other leisure locations. With a heritage stretching back over 60 years, today SSP has 30,000 employees, serving millions of customers every week. It has businesses 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, Bonne Journee, Pizza Hut, Caviar House & Prunier, and leading Japanese noodle brand Ajisen Ramen as well as stunning bespoke concepts such as the Montreux Jazz Cafe in Geneva and Sydney and the Bambini Wine Room in Sydney. 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 Caribbean)

SSP America operates in more than 42 airports and motorways across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.  Third party brands in the broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Houlihan's, Gordon Biersch, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, 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 icons such as Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, Harry & Izzy's, Nonna Bartolotta's, Alterra Coffee, Shapiro's Deli, Brew Brothers Brewery and Legends of Aviation.

SOURCE SSP America