USA. Global travel restaurateur HMSHost, a Dufry Group company, has announced a collaboration with local craft brewery Henderson Brewing Company and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Rush to open a new bar at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The 28-seat bar will be named ‘Henderson Brewery @ YYZ’ (YYZ representing the airport’s airport code and the famous Rush track of the same name) and offer limited-release beers, including Rush Canadian Golden Ale, and unique Rush merchandise.
Rush composed YYZ, an instrumental rock track, for their Moving Pictures album as an ode to their hometown in 1981.
The airport drinks venue will be outfitted with original artefacts from Rush’s touring and recording career. “Locals can make a quick trip to the airport for exclusive gear and takeaway beer only available at YYZ”, a note from HMSHost said.
The bar is to be located in a prime, pre-security area of Terminal 1 easily accessible to both domestic and international passengers, as well as visitors to the airport. It will be situated just steps away from the escalators leading into the terminal from the Union Pearson Express.
Rush bassist and lead vocalist Geddy Lee said: “What could be more appropriate than our Rush Canadian Golden Ale having a home at YYZ? The opening rhythm of our YYZ song was inspired by the morse code for YYZ airport.
“We would get so excited to see YYZ on our ticketed bags as it meant we were coming home. Even though the song is instrumental, it’s about our city, where we came from, and how good it is to come home.”
Greater Toronto Airports Authority Chief Commercial Officer Khalil Lamrabet said: “We are thrilled to partner with HMSHost, Henderson Brewing Company, and the legendary band Rush to curate an extraordinary experience for travellers at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
“With the opening of Henderson Brewery @ YYZ, we’re introducing a unique touch that will redefine the airport experience and create an unforgettable welcome-to-Toronto ambiance. We are thrilled to welcome this exciting addition to our airport and can’t wait for passengers to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience.”
HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Amy Dunne said: “HMSHost has built its reputation on bringing the very best of the local food and beverage scene to the airport environment — and now we’re bringing the best band ever to emerge from Toronto alongside the coolest craft brewery to the Toronto Pearson International Airport.”
Henderson Brewing Company Partner Adin Wener said: “When the opportunity presented itself to not only work closely with HMSHost and YYZ, but also offer another incredibly unique experience with Rush, I think it took me approximately five seconds to say, ‘Yes, please!’”
“I can’t wait for it to open and create the ultimate welcome-to-Toronto experience.” 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining. Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.
The company also hosts The Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards, which will take place on 12-13 September in Bangkok, Thailand after a four-year COVID-driven absence. Notably, FAB’s remit has been extended this year to feature wider airport hospitality services, including hotels and lounges.
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