USA. HMSHost has been awarded a ten-year food & beverage contract at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, in partnership with D.C. Garrett Group.
The HMSHost-led joint venture will operate nine new locations in the airport’s new international terminal, pledging to introduce a variety of local and national favourites to travellers.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be entering the diverse and vibrant city of Austin with this new partnership with the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport,” said HMSHost President and CEO Steve Johnson. “We’re very much looking forward to bringing travellers a dynamic mix of local restaurants and dining experiences that truly reflect Austin.”
HMSHost will soon welcome travellers to what the company described as the airport industry’s first “true live action food hall kitchen”, Austin City Kitchen. Austin City Kitchen will feature a new age market, taproom, and live action kitchens that give diners the opportunity to watch their food being prepared before their eyes.
The food hall, anchored by the popular Austin-born Torchy’s Tacos, will also feature local favourites Noble Sandwich Co and Sushi-A-Go-Go by Komé. At a taproom by Austin Beerworks called The Beer Drop, travellers can educate themselves about craft beer from Austin’s most popular brewery.
Those wanting to grab a last-minute culinary souvenir or some local produce can shop at the Hardies Fresh Foods market, also within the food hall.
To stay true to Austin’s strong music heritage (the city is a renowned centre for country music), Austin City Kitchen has a main stage that will feature live music from a rotating selection of musicians.
Another outlet, 24 Diner by ELM Restaurant Group, will be positioned opposite Austin City Kitchen. “It will be Austin’s most iconic chef-inspired diner,” HMSHost claimed. “24 Diner has reinterpreted and reinvented American diner standards.” The diner will offer “chef-driven comfort food”, highlighting local, organic and seasonal ingredients; the elements that have made 24 Diner downtown successful. The street side location has been featured on numerous TV and news reports, including Food Network Stars’ ‘Top Austin Restaurants’ and Food and Wine’s ‘America’s Best Diner.’
“Dannon Garrett and I are extremely excited to be entering into our first travel concessions venture with HMSHost right here in our hometown of Austin” – D.C. Garrett Group Principle Partner Rick Garrett
HMSHost will open Parkside, described as a downtown East Sixth Street staple, at the end of the terminal. The original Parkside is where renowned Chef Shawn Cirkiel, founder of Parkside Projects, pioneered farm-to-table dining in Austin, HMSHost said. As the Capital city’s first gastropub, the Parkside location in the airport will feature a diverse offer, including burgers and an extensive raw bar. Guests can enjoy a signature cocktail from mixologists while listening to live music.
Other attractions include Jugo Juice, a chef-driven juice, snacks, and smoothie concept, also by Chef Shawn Cirkiel of Parkside Projects.
The downtown Austin outlet’s airport location will feature healthy, creative grab-n-go salads, protein snacks and bowls, and fresh-pressed juices.
HMSHost is also introducing Starbucks coffee, marking the brand’s debut at Austin-Bergstrom International.
“Dannon Garrett and I are extremely excited to be entering into our first travel concessions venture with HMSHost right here in our hometown of Austin,” said D.C. Garrett Group Principle Partner Rick Garrett. “With our 15 years of streetside experience, we plan to make a valuable contribution to the Austin-Bergstrom dining experience.”
“HMSHost is thrilled to bring travellers of Austin these popular dining offerings in partnership with D.C. Garrett Group and our local restaurant partners,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “Austin is a forward-thinking culinary city and the new restaurants we’ll soon open will showcase the best mix of culinary offerings reflective of this unique place.”
NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes The Foodie Report, the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. The Foodie Report e-Newsletter is published every two weeks and The Foodie Report e-Zine every month.
Please send all news of food & beverage outlet openings, together with images, menus, video etc to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com to ensure unrivalled global exposure.
The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. Next year’s FAB will be held in Helsinki on 20 to 22 June. Click here for details
