Paradies Lagardère and SSP America capture key contracts for international terminal at Houston Intercontinental

A rendering of the new Mickey Leland International Terminal, which is currently under construction as part of the Terminal Redevelopment Program at George Bush Intercontinental

USA. Travel retailer Paradies Lagardère and travel dining specialist SSP America have each been awarded ten-year contracts covering the new Mickey Leland International Terminal at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The awards were approved by Houston City Council last week. The terminal is expected to be mostly complete by late 2024.

The two agreements are projected to generate as much as US$116 million in revenue for Houston Airports from 26 concession locations.

“As one of the biggest and most modern airport facilities in the country, the new international terminal at IAH deserves the best dining and shopping experiences,” said Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz.

“As we expand our reach across the world, offering unique local, regional and national concepts ensures all customers will experience Houston’s diverse and vibrant flavours without ever having to leave the airport.”

Renderings of new concession concepts from SSP at the new international terminal. Above, The Kitchen; below, The Annie

SSP America will continue its relationship with Houston Airports by opening 16 outlets at the new terminal.

The new food and beverage programme will feature a combination of local Houston flavour and national brands. The local concepts include Houston landmarks The Annie Café & Bar, The Kitchen (Woodlands, TX) and Common Bond Bakery and Café, complemented by national favourites like Chili’s and MOD Pizza.

“SSP America began our Houston operations in 2008, and we’ve been proud members of the IAH community every day since then,” said SSP America Deputy Chief Executive Officer Pat Murray. “Most of our partners and many of our team members have been with us since we expanded operations in 2014. Houston has been an incredibly important part of our growth as a company. It’s hard to describe just how honoured we are by the opportunity to create 340 new jobs for local residents. We have a tremendous passion for service and will continue to do all we can to support the IAH mission and goals.”

Paradies Lagardère, which already operates concessions at Houston Airports, will operate ten retail concession locations at the new international terminal.

Jetero Market, which celebrates the history and culture of Houston, is among the Paradies Lagardère outlets set to open. Below, a rendering of the new Lego store.

Paradies Lagardère’s retail programme will include names such as Houston Supply Co., Uno de 50, Be Relax (spa service), Lego and iStore.

In addition, Jetero Market, developed by Paradies Lagardère to celebrate the history and culture of Houston, is named after a group of Houston businessmen and civic leaders who purchased the site for the airport. The story of that undertaking will be showcased inside the store, alongside exclusive souvenirs and gifts crafted by Texas artisans.

“We appreciate our partnership with Houston Airports and are thrilled with the opportunity to deliver an amazing retail programme for George Bush Intercontinental Airport that will generate more than 50 new jobs and over 100 total jobs in the Houston community,” said Gregg Paradies, President and CEO of Paradies Lagardère.

“We’re confident that our incredible designs, great blend of recognized national brands and popular local concepts, support of the local community, and leading innovation will fully endorse Houston’s vision of being a five-star global service gateway.”

Both partners have committed to implementing new technologies such as self-ordering kiosks, 24/7 access to offerings for delayed passengers, and potential opportunities to implement gate service and advanced ordering systems.

“All of the important boxes have been checked off,” said Diaz of the concession concepts. The international facility will feature 17 TSA security lanes, more wide-body gates to welcome larger planes and the ability to accommodate more international flights.

The contracts for both SSP America and Paradies Lagardère will begin upon substantial completion of the new international terminal.

Houston Airports said the principles of its concessions vision for the new international terminal were to:

  • Achieve exceptional customer service and offer a five-star experience
  • Offer greater variety and quality for international passengers
  • Increase opportunities for local operators
  • Encourage innovative, unique and exciting concepts
  • Showcase Houston as a premier, world-class destination
  • Create Sense of Place within the airport

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