SSP, leading food and beverage operator in travel
SSP News Release 7-February-2008
SSP America will enhance airport food and beverage experience by bringing five-star restaurants and a range of quality food brands to the marketplace.
NEW YORK – SSP, the leading specialist operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, is setting its sights on the North American market with the launch of SSP America. The re-branding of its North American division, from Creative Host Services to SSP America, is the culmination of far-reaching changes that have been taking place in the business over the past 12 months.
SSP, The Food Travel Experts, which operates in airports and rail stations in 28 countries, plans to transform the food and beverage experience of travelers. It has just completed the first stage of a three-year, $4 million global research study into the needs and habits of airport passengers. The study is part of an overall $8 million investment in a series of initiatives focused on creating a better experience for the traveling consumer.
SSP has identified gaps in current airport offerings and is using this knowledge to respond to the needs and habits of travelers. As a result, prominent offerings in SSP America’s portfolio will include: premium luxury brands, healthy options and quality, freshly-prepared “grab & go” alternatives.
This week, SSP America announces an exclusive deal with a leading American steakhouse, The Palm Restaurant, that will see consumers enjoying a five star experience in U.S. airports. Similarly, SSP will offer airports other premium brands exclusively such as The Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar.
“We are thrilled to bring these great brands to our airports,” said Les Cappetta, chief executive officer and president of SSP America. “We feel that they directly address the identified need for luxury and sanctuary and a general requirement to create an ‘environment’ for passengers and not just a simple ‘refueling’ opportunity,” said Cappetta.
In addition to premium luxury brands, SSP America will address the healthy/organic niche through Camden Food Co. and European bakery brands, such as Panopolis and Upper Crust.
The growth plans are gaining momentum with SSP America’s expansions at:
George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH), (Intercontinental Terminal)
John F. Kennedy International (JFK), New York, New York (Terminal Four)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Minneapolis-St Paul International/World-Chamberlain (MSP)
“We have made a strategic decision to invest heavily in our North American division of SSP,” said Andrew Lynch, chief executive officer of SSP. “I’m delighted that the new team has already increased our footprint in the U.S. with recent expansion in Raleigh-Durham, Houston and Minneapolis and I am excited about the ongoing opportunities to grow in this dynamic marketplace.”
To support its aggressive growth plan, SSP America has recently boosted its management team, recruiting the best in food and retail at all levels of the organization, from the executive team to airport general managers. Targeted hires from Brinker International, The Walt Disney Company, Darden Restaurants, Wegmans, Harrods, Target and Neiman Marcus, Inc., now join SSP’s global pool of expertise to revolutionize the travel food and beverage industry.
SSP is also investing in the management team on the ground. In partnership with Rosen Hospitality College, part of the University of Central Florida, more than 350 managers worldwide will complete the college’s industry renowned Multi-Site Management Program. Their world class faculty will work with SSP’s research findings and consumer insights and teach a curriculum bespoke to SSP’s strategy.
"We have assembled a line of talented people that would be the envy of any organization,” said Cappetta. “We see the multi-site program as harnessing that knowledge and expertise, as well as developing our people.”
Cappetta adds that "when you take SSP’s operational experience, powerful brand portfolio, management talent and unique consumer insights, there is no business better positioned to lead this market."