ICELAND. Travel restaurateur SSP Group has sealed a contract to open two new units at Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport in Spring 2023. These venues will mark SSP’s first foray into Iceland, extending its global presence to 36 countries once operational.
For the tender, airport operator Isavia was seeking F&B venues with a strong Sense of Place, and SSP has delivered with two new restaurants which it said showcase the best of Iceland and modern Icelandic dining experiences.
Restaurant Jómfrúin is well-known among both locals and tourists, having opened 25 years ago in the heart of Reykjavik to offer guests ‘Danish food the Icelandic way’. Jómfrúin’s Founder Jakob Jakobsson was the first man in the world to graduate as a smørrebrødsjomfru which literally translates to ‘sandwich maiden’.
Now, SSP is collaborating closely with Jakob’s son, Jakob Einar Jakobsson, to bring the Jómfruin experience to Keflavik Airport.
The eatery’s menu will feature a selection of Jómfrúin’s best sellers, served with freshly baked rye or sourdough bread in Scandinavian smörgåsbord fashion. Jómfrúin will offer an extensive range of smörrebröd including roast beef béarnaise, plaice, aquavit-cured salmon and avocado and smoked potatoes with avocado, red onion, tomato and chilli mayo.
Classic Nordic style hot dishes and a breakfast menu will be available.
SSP noted that its second concept, the 495sq m Elda, has been especially created for the airport, drawing inspiration from Icelandic landscapes and nature.
The seasonal Elda menu – designed by Icelander and Master Chef, Snorri Victor Gylfason – is inspired by both local and global street food. It covers meals from breakfast to dinner, and also offers on-the-go snacks. There will also be a Skyr and smoothie bar as well as a soup and salad bar for those looking for a healthier option.
In line with SSP and Keflavik International Airport’s sustainability commitments, Elda will source many ingredients locally.
Both of the new units will utilise Order@ technology, allowing guests to use their digital devices to order their food for collection.
SSP Norway Managing Director Bente Brevik said: “Iceland is a country of particular importance to us, with the SSP story having begun in Scandinavia over 60 years ago. Keflavik International Airport is a major travel hub, welcoming almost ten million travellers each year, making our expansion into Iceland a source of enormous pride for us all.”
She added: “These new units are a true homage to the breath-taking landscapes and fresh ingredients for which Iceland is famous while incorporating global flavours to appeal to the airport’s diverse passenger profile. We have every faith that customers will love these new brands just as much as we do.”
Isavia Commercial Manager Gunnhildur Erla Vilbergsdóttir said: “We are very much looking forward to beginning this partnership with SSP in Iceland and believe these two new restaurants will be a perfect fit for Keflavik Airport.
“SSP demonstrated an excellent understanding of our vision to go even further in strengthening the local Sense of Place for guests at Keflavik Airport, offering them both great quality and value.”
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