USA. SSP America has been awarded a ten-year contract by the City of Phoenix Aviation Department to develop and operate five food & beverage concessions at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The concessions span 11 new restaurants (see details below) across 19,833sq ft in the North and South Concourses of Terminal 3 as well as the lobby and ticketing areas.
The contract will see SSP America introduce a mix of award-winning local and chef-driven brands as well as two popular national brands.
According to the travel restaurateur these brands define the Phoenix Valley’s culinary landscape. Each brand sources locally where possible. “Sense of place, taste of place and commitment to the community combined with optimum choice for the passenger and exceptional customer service are the hallmarks of SSP America’s new contract with Phoenix,” SSP said.
The new contract is part of the airport’s $590 million Terminal 3 Modernisation Programme, which aims to enhance the passenger journey through the terminal.
The modernisation involves three phases to maximise flexibility and minimise impact to travellers and will be completed in 2020. Currently, the terminal processor and the South Concourse are under construction. The North Concourse will be the final phase of the project.
SSP America Executive Vice President Pat Murray commented: “Phoenix Airport continues to grow with robust passenger increases, extensive growth in concessions, and an impressive upsurge in food and beverage sales between 2011-2016 in Terminal 4.
“Phoenix’s continued level of progress is a direct result of the Aviation Department’s proactive inward investment. SSP America is enormously proud to be a part of this continued investment and is deeply honoured to have been awarded this significant new contract.
“Our portfolio features no less than nine award-winning local brands which will not only give Phoenix’s passengers a true taste of place, but also keep jobs and revenues contributing back to the Valley of the Sun community.”
SSP’s new line-up includes:
The Habit Burger Grill (Lobby): The Habit Burger Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept that specialises in fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade tuna cooked over an open flame. It features fresh, made-to-order salads and a selection of sides, shakes and malts.
Original ChopShop (Lobby): Original ChopShop is a local Phoenix eatery. The menu offers protein bowls, acai and pitaya bowls, fresh-squeezed juices, protein shakes, salads and sandwiches made on-site.
Überrito Fresh Mex (Lobby): Combining the German word, “Über” meaning “above” or “beyond” with the Mexican dish “burrito”—Überrito aims to bring passengers ‘above and beyond’ burritos.
The Tavern (South Concourse): Chef Mark Tarbell’s The Tavern, located on East Camelback Road in Phoenix, is a relaxed and approachable restaurant. The location will include a large wine retail component that will allow passengers to buy premium wines to take away.
Christopher’s Crush (South Concourse): James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Christopher Gross’s concept features cocktails, local and international brews, wine and gourmand plates.
Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen (North Concourse): Located in the hip CenPho neighbourhood, Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen brings craft beer and food to its new airport location.
Tru Burger Co. (North Concourse): Family-owned and operated Tru Burger Co. serves gourmet burgers made fresh daily from locally-sourced ingredients. All meats are antibiotic- and hormone-free. The menu includes salads, fresh sides, sandwiches, hot dogs and more.
Leoni’s Focaccia (North Concourse): Valley-based Danielle Leoni’s Leoni’s Focaccia is renowned for its Roman-style focaccia bread.
Ajo Al’s Mexican Café (North Concourse): Ajo Al’s Mexican Café provides traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern Sonoran twist.
Crave Grounds (North Concourse)— Jim Murphy’s Crave Grounds from North Scottsdale brings coffee and doughnuts to the airport.
Peet’s Coffee (Ticketing)— Premium coffee company Peet’s Coffee delivers fresh-roasted coffee and cold-brewed drinks prepared from fair trade, responsibly sourced coffee beans. Peet’s ticketing location will offer other retail items such as newspapers, magazines, books and travel related sundries, luggage, souvenirs and gifts.
