Áreas starts operations in rebuilt Maryland House Travel Plaza

USA. Ãreas has opened the rebuilt Maryland House Travel Plaza, one of two plazas on the I-95 highway in Maryland, after a US$30 million upgrade. The company anticipates sales of US$26 million this year from the renewed, 4,000sq m facility.

Ãreas took over management of two plazas on the I-95 between Washington D.C. and New York in 2012. It operates several food & beverage and retail outlets at both locations.

Among the F&B outlets at Maryland House are Wendy’s, Phillips Seafood, Dunkin’ Donuts, Jerry’s Subs & Pizza, Currito, Nathan’s, Auntie Anne’s and Carvel. Shopping options include Sunshine Market, Brookstone, Bijoux Terner and Orange Optix.

The new facility sits on the busy I-95 highway, connecting New York and Washington D.C.

Ãreas said the service area was designed for the comfort of the traveller, noting abundant natural light, plants and furnishings in warm colours aimed at creating a pleasant atmosphere.

The concessionaire has doubled the number of restroom facilities and installed a children’s play area, free WiFi, ATMs and vending machines. The parking area outside has +35 % more capacity than before the refurbishment, and the plaza also houses a 40-pump petrol station operated by Sunoco.

The plaza features a number of familiar F&B brands

Ãreas will now close the second plaza in its I-95 concession, Chesapeake House, for reconstruction. It is expected to reopen in the autumn and will house concepts including Earl of Sandwich, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Wendy’s, Peet’s Coffee and Tea and Auntie Anne’s.

The opening underlines the rapid expansion of Ãreas in the USA, with 157 establishments across ten airports, the Florida Turnpike and a number of highways. Approximately 20% of its global turnover now comes from the country.

Ãreas won a 35-year concession for the I-95 travel plazas in 2012

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