HMSHost and Hudson (Avolta) have been awarded new 10-year contracts to operate at Orlando International Airport (MCO). HMSHost will open a nearly 9,750-square-foot food hall, “The Enchanted Grove,” featuring a mix of nationally recognized brands including Shake Shack; Chick-fil-A; Panda Express; and Bahia Bowls. The food hall is operated in partnership with Wendy Anderson of The W Group Consulting Firm, LLC; Camille Lee-Johnson of I Believe Corp; and Ankur Sakhuja of Pita Hut Enterprises, LLC.
“We applaud the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s bold, forward-thinking vision for Orlando International Airport, which places customer experience, innovation, and community at the heart of the travel journey,” said Steve Johnson, president and CEO of Avolta North America. “Over our 35-year partnership with GOAA, we’ve worked hand in hand to enhance the airport experience, and this new vision presents an exciting opportunity to further advance that collaboration to create memorable moments for travelers for years to come.”
“We are pleased to welcome these outstanding restaurant concepts to Orlando International Airport as we continue elevating the guest experience with offerings travelers know and love,” added Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “In addition to local flavor, today’s travelers expect to find trusted, name-brand favorites as part of their journey and, together, these concepts help make the travel experience more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable from the moment they arrive at MCO.”
Hudson will open five travel convenience and specialty retail stores spanning more than 9,800 square feet across the North Terminal Complex. New concepts will include Dear Orlando, a locally focused travel essential and gift shop; Adjectives, an extension of the Orlando-based home décor shop; Orlando (The City’s Magazine), a convenience store featuring local goods; Blue Spring Collective, a state park-inspired jewelry, beauty and gift shop; and Orange Blossom Market, a souvenir shop named after the state flower that will offer regional gifts and souvenirs.
Hudson will operate the new stores with Blanca Boucree of Diamarx Management, LLC; Wendy Anderson of The W Group Consulting Firm, LLC; and Zeke Flores of Flying Retail, LLC.
“Hudson’s new retail program shares GOAA’s commitment to create an airport experience that is distinctly Orlando and unmistakably Florida,” said Lyttle. “By combining innovative features like self-checkout technology with shops that celebrate local artisans, Florida-inspired products, and beloved regional brands, we are giving millions of travelers a stronger sense of place while making their journey more convenient, engaging and memorable.”
