SSP America Awarded 2 Concession Agreements at San Diego

LANSDOWNE, Va., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SSP America, the North American division of SSP, the leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide is delighted to announce its two, 10 year concession agreements with San Diego International Airport that will bring the familiar face of southern California to the travelers of SAN.

"At SSP America, we celebrate the most innovative culinary leaders and visionaries in a community.  Wherever we operate we source the local legends, the best and brightest stars of the area – keeping jobs local and in-state wherever possible.  We are very proud to be partnering with San Diego International Airport and to bring the best of California's regional cuisine to the travelers at SAN," said Les Cappetta, president and CEO of SSP America.  

Nyle Marmion, Manager of SAN Concession Development commented, "The Airport Authority is excited about the lineup of concepts that SSP will bring to SAN.  They contribute to our solicitation goal of capturing the spirit of the San Diego region while ensuring a diversity of local, regional and national concepts."

David Cohn and Chef Deborah Scott are the Cohn Restaurant Group.  They comprise the most creative and diverse restaurant team in San Diego and have created their newest concept, Vin De Syrah.  Known to locals as the hidden gem of the Gaslamp Quarter, Vin De Syrah offers sprits, unique beer and an array of beautiful wines by the glass.  If it's a dirty martini, a frosty Chimay, or a smooth glass of Bordeaux, this is the chill out departure parlor for you.   SSP America is bringing Vin De Syrah to its first airport location.

The award-winning Pacifica Del Mar and Pacifica Breeze are the inspiration for the Pacifica San Diego Airport location.  Carefully crafted gourmet fare and a chef driven menu will drive this latest creation by Kipp Downing. Devoted local enthusiasts of Pacifica will be able to sip their coffee and espresso favorites, indulge in a hearty breakfast fare, or delight in tantalizing soups, salads and sandwiches during lingering pre-flight boarding, with a full range of micro brews, wines and cocktails available.

A family tradition in San Diego since 1994, Ryan Bros. Coffee was founded on one simple principle: "Life is too short to be bitter!"™ It is in that spirit that they dedicate themselves to creating a ritual experience that bonds customers and friends in special relationships -- every day! The family's commitment to crafting fresh roasted beans, exotic leaf teas and the finest in cocoa infusion is what makes that gathering possible. Delivering true hospitality beckons you back to share in their good company and cheer. Operated in partnership with SSP America, SAN will be Ryan Bros. Coffee's first airport location.

Jack in the Box will be opening its first-ever airport location at SAN.  San Diego-based, Jack in the Box is among the United States' leading fast-food hamburger chains, with more than 2,200 quick-serve restaurants in 19 states.  As the first major hamburger chain to develop and expand the concept of drive-thru dining, Jack in the Box has always emphasized on-the-go convenience, perfect for busy airport passengers on the move.  Jack in the Box offers a broad selection of distinctive, innovative products targeted at the fast-food consumer, including hamburgers, specialty sandwiches, salads and real ice cream shakes.

SAN represents the first announced San Diego location for one of the nation's most popular fast-casual Mexican concepts, Qdoba Mexican Grill. Simply not your typical Mexican restaurant – Qdoba is a Mexican kitchen where travelers to SAN will be able to enjoy a fast, handcrafted meal prepared right in front of them.  Everything travelers will experience at Qdoba showcases the brand's commitment to high-quality ingredients, innovative flavors and fresh preparation – from signature 3-Cheese Queso and hand-smashed guacamole to shredded beef and slow-roasted pulled pork.  Founded in Denver in 1995, Qdoba has more than 550 restaurants in 42 states and the District of Columbia and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jack in the Box Inc.  

Panda Express, is the World's leader in Chinese fast-casual restaurants and a welcome addition to airport dining options for many busy passengers. Embodying the American dream, Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming Tsai Cherng emigrated from China and began their quest nearly four decades ago to introduce the robust flavors of Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine. Today, Andrew and his wife Peggy, Co-Chairs and Co-CEOs, have grown Panda Express into the empire it is today with close to 1400 locations in the US, Puerto Rico and its most recent international location in Mexico City and continues to be family owned. Known for its fresh, flavorful dishes, Panda Express serves a variety of its traditional dishes such as its world famous Orange Chicken and top-selling Honey Walnut Shrimp.  "Hot, fresh and ready when you are" – Panda Express is the perfect option for busy travelers on the go.

Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. is the premier specialty coffee and tea company in the United States. Peet's was founded in 1966 in Berkeley, Calif. by Alfred Peet, an early tea authority who later became widely recognized as the grandfather of specialty coffee in the U.S.  Today, Peet's Coffee & Tea offers superior quality coffees and teas in multiple forms, by sourcing the best quality coffee beans and tea leaves in the world, adhering to strict high-quality and taste standards.

Health-conscious Californians, be prepared - Red Mango is landing at SAN.  With customers increasingly looking for healthy, impulsive indulgences whilst traveling, Red Mango is an excellent choice.  Founded in 2002 in South Korea and introduced in the United States by Daniel Kim in 2007, Red Mango is credited as the pioneer of the tart variety of all-natural nonfat frozen yogurt sweeping the nation.  All yogurts are made fresh daily, with no artificial sweeteners, naturally low in fat, gluten free and clock in at an amazing 90 calories a serving.  

URBANCRAVE is the hottest new word on the street, bringing you authentic street cuisine. We believe people crave something more, something better. They vote with their mouths, their noses, their well-licked fingers - or with their feet, if their craving is not fulfilled.  Prepare to feast with dishes like Green Apple with Envy Toast, Huevos Rancheros, Drunken Nachos, Inside-out Burgers, and Haute Dogs. Then, wash it all down with a Brown Bag Special (a tall, cool brew) or a Cross-eyed Mary (filled with fourteen all natural ingredients.)  Crave street. Crave urban.

Hungry but in a hurry?  SSP's Upper Crust is the perfect solution.  A well-recognized sight in European travel locations for decades, Upper Crust made its debut in the US in 2007 and continues to grow throughout North American airports.   Known for serving tasty, authentic baguettes that are freshly baked throughout the day and generously filled with fresh ingredients, Upper Crust continues to succeed due to its irresistibility.  Baguettes are baked quickly and served straight from the oven, so it is always light and crisp.  Upper Crust – "Famously Fresh Baguettes."

SSP's own award-winning Camden food co. makes a big deal about "eating right" and when travelers visit they can expect to find a bit of organic, a bit of fair-trade and something healthy for every taste all made with loads of passion!  Camden food co. has been hailed in previous years as the "En-route Sandwich Retailer of the Year" by the British Sandwich Association and most recently by Airport Revenue News as the "Best New Food & Beverage Concept" for overall quality and uniqueness. Whether you are eating one of the Hummus Crunch Vegetable Wraps or indulging in a gluten-free Brownie, we believe you should feel happy about what you eat, because at Camden food co. "you don't have to be good, to eat good food."

About SSP

SSP is the leading dedicated operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafes, food courts, lounges and convenience stores in airports, train stations, motorway service stations, shopping malls, conference centers and other leisure locations. With a heritage stretching back over 60 years, today SSP has 30,000 employees, serving millions of customers every week. It has business at over 140 airports and over 250 rail stations, and operates more than 2,100 units in 30 countries around the world.

SSP operates an extensive portfolio of over 200 international, national, local and specialty brands. These include Upper Crust, Starbucks, Caffe Ritazza, M&S Simply Food, Bonne Journee, Caviar House & Prunier, and leading Japanese noodle brand Ajisen Ramen as well as stunning bespoke concepts such as the Montreux Jazz Cafe in Geneva and Sydney and the Bambini Wine Room in Sydney. Its brand portfolio is tailored for each specific location, depending on variables such as passenger profile, consumer need states, location type, size and design.

About SSP America/SSP Canada

SSP America operates in more than 40 airports across North America bringing a variety of local, regional and national brands to the traveling consumer at a vast array of price ranges.  Third party brands in the company's broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Gordon Biersch, Panda Express, Tigin, Peet's Coffee & Tea, T.G.I. Friday's, Tim Hortons, The Great American Bagel and Buffalo Wild Wings.  SSP America's brand portfolio also includes strong, local award-winning icons such as Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, Harry & Izzy's, Nonna Bartolotta's, and Alterra Coffee.

SOURCE SSP America