US. Autogrill subsidiary HMSHost has had its catering license at Las Vegas McCarran International airport renewed for another ten years, taking it to 2018. The contract had been due to expire in 2008.
The unusually long-term contract is expected to generate US$1.3 billion in sales over the 2004-2018 concession period, Autogrill said.
“The extension of our partnership with Las Vegas McCarran International Airport until 2018 attests to our unique ability to tailor programmes to individual airports’ specific needs and provide maximum value for concession holders, operators and customers,” said Autogrill Group Chief Executive Officer Gianmario Tondato da Ruos.
As part of the agreement, HMSHost will undertake extensive renovations in more than 25 spaces throughout the airport, bringing the total number of locations run by Autogrill’s North American subsidiary at Las Vegas to approximately 60. It will begin with an initial investment of more than US$12 million for the period 2004-2006.
Factors taken into account in the decision to extend the contract were HMSHost’s solid expertise in airport food & beverage services, its application of best practices and a brand portfolio that combines top international names with successful local concepts, Autogrill said.
“The programme for Las Vegas is based on a detailed study of traveller profiles and spend capacity and confirms the Autogrill Group’s marketing policy of building close ties with the local community,” the company added.
With approximately 36.3 million passengers in 2003 (up by +3.6% over 2002), 42 airlines and 92 aircraft gates, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport is one of the world’s 20 largest airports and ranks as one of America’s top 10.
Key concepts at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport will include:
Wolfgang Puck Express: a chain that takes its name from world-renowned chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck, with a grand gourmet menu of dishes ready to eat in less than 7 minutes;
Blue Burrito Grille: one of America’s most notable restaurant chains, with a selection of low-fat dishes prepared using only the freshest ingredients;
Chili’s: one of the most popular casual dining restaurants in the USA, offering a unique take on Mexican food;
Starbucks Coffee: the world’s leading brand of specialty coffee, which sells more than 10 million cups of coffee in airports every week. HMSHost plans to build seven new Starbucks locations at Las Vegas;
Jose Cuervo Tequileria: created in partnership with the world’s premier tequila brand, this concept will serve freshly-prepared Mexican food and eleven different varieties of Jose Cuervo tequila;
Great Steak and Potato Company: known simply as “˜Great Steak’ to its customers in the US and Canada, this concept offers a specialty menu of variously prepared signature meat and potato dishes.
MORE STORIES ON HMSHOST AND AUTOGRILL
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HMSHost opens new food concepts in Amsterdam – 08/06/04
New openings for HMSHost in Boston – 15/04/04
HMSHost under the acquisition microscope as Benetton chief delays Autogrill sale decision – 11/04/04
Autogrill awarded Marseille and Athens concessions – 04/03/04
