HMSHost (Avolta) has been awarded a new 10-year contract and five-year lease extension to open 14 dining concepts at San Antonio International Airport (SAT). The concessions program, part of the airport’s $2.5-billion Elevate/SAT expansion and capital improvement project, will focus heavily on local flavors from Michelin Guide- and James Beard-recognized chefs.
The new concepts coming to Terminal A include eateries from longtime SAT collaborator Chef Johnny Hernandez, including Chef Johnny’s Mercado, Southtown Market, La Gloria and a new proprietary tequila bar in Terminal A; as well as Chef Jason Dady-helmed Tre Pizzeria; Chef Nicola Blaque-helmed Freight Fried Chicken; Chef Elizabeth Johnson-helmed Pharm Table; and a new location of national brand Panda Express. Terminal B will feature more chef-backed restaurants, including Chef Jeff Balfour’s Southerleigh; Chef Esaul Ramos Jr.’s 2M Smokehouse; The Tasting Room by Becker Vineyards; the award-winning Bakery Lorraine; as well as new locations of national brands Popeye’s and Dunkin’. The new concepts will be operated as joint ventures with ACDBE partners, including Chef Johnny Hernandez; Chef Nicola Blaque; Allison Balfour, co-owner of Southerleigh Hospitality Group; and Crystal Dady, owner of Tre Pizzeria.
“Every few years, an opportunity presents itself to transform the experience at an airport — and this is certainly one of those opportunities,” said Steve Johnson, Avolta’s president and CEO for North America. “We are proud to be a part of the evolution of San Antonio International Airport and to collaborate with such an exceptional group of chef partners that reflect the culinary diversity of the city. Our hope is that through this elevated concessions program, travelers will choose to fly through or to SAT because the food experience makes their journey as exciting as the destination.”
“Nothing makes me happier than being joined by this amazing lineup of award-winning chefs. They represent San Antonio’s best,” said Hernandez. “It’s unheard of to have this much culinary talent in any airport, and we are grateful to have airport leadership that values the importance of supporting our local chef-owned businesses.”
“San Antonio is a city brimming with culture and cuisine, so to feature these award-winning chefs and their signature concepts at San Antonio International Airport is a culinary victory,” added Jesus Saenz, director of airports for the City of San Antonio. “This partnership with HMSHost and each of these nationally and internationally recognized chefs will elevate the culinary experience in our city.”
