The Houston City Council approved the contract on Wednesday, March 8th finalizing Areas’ approval to revitalize 19,000 square feet of food and beverage space, representing half of the airport’s total concessions space. Areas will operate 10 new restaurants in both the East West Concourses and more than 200 people will be hired to staff the locations on both sides of the TSA Security area.
On May 12th six temporary units will be installed as construction on new permanent locations get underway. The temporary concepts include: Chik-Fil-A, Peet’s Coffee, StrEAT, StrEAT Bar and two Gastrohub locations.
“The new concessions package brings together an all-star list of fantastic dining concepts that includes well-known Houston restaurants and national brands,” said Jim Szczesniak, Chief Operating Officer for Houston Airports. “Houston Airports is relentless in our quest to make our passengers happy. I am confident these new concessions will elevate the already incredible experience guests of Hobby Airport have come to expect from the first and only 5-Star airport in North America.”
“We are excited to partner with the City of Houston to bring a distinctive program that complements the city’s culinary virtues and ethnic diversity,” says Carlos Bernal, CEO of Areas. “Travelers to William P. Hobby Airport will be delighted by an exceptional lineup of concepts, which represent the essence of the city’s greatness.”
Areas’ joint venture partners at HOU comprise a powerful group of local operators who together exceed the airport’s minority participation requirement. The partners include Alliance Hospitality Group, Multiplex Inc., Creative Concourse Concessions, and Cediel Management Concessions.
The Areas program is designed to appeal to the palates and demands of HOU’s dynamic travelers with a thoughtful balance of local, national, trending, and traditional concepts ensuring a wide range of appeal. The following brands will be introduced in the permanent program: Throughgood Coffee Bistro & Bar, Starbucks, Yard House, SpindleTap Brewery, Killen’s Barbecue, and The Spot.