Currently, Areas has three concepts at the Newark airport: Piattino, offering Italian cuisine in an upscale casual dining setting; StrEAT, a proprietary concept designed to emanate the culture and backdrop of the street-side eateries of the Ironbound section of Newark, and Panda Express, one of the largest Chinese fast food restaurant chains in the United States. Sana’s objective is to take Areas from being a minority company at EWR to the airport’s majority leader.
“Areas has a smaller presence at Newark Airport. I would like for us to not only be the best in performance but also to stand out among everyone else,” says Sana. “If you put your heart and mind towards something, no matter how difficult it is, you are going to get there. That’s what I believe in.” The former Food & Beverage Multi–Unit Operations Manager is no stranger to EWR Airport. During her tenure with her former employer, she successfully managed seven restaurants at EWR and assisted in secondary duties for seven full-size Starbucks locations.
Being born and raised in Pakistan gave Sana a diverse background and the opportunity to learn to speak four languages. “I came to this country because I thought it was the land of opportunity for me. I started working at a very young age and I moved my way up,” says Sana on how her upbringing has had an impact on her work ethic. Working with a diversified team is what Sana likes most about Areas. “I feel empowered in my position. It’s such a great feeling of accomplishment when we have the ability to be empowered and make changes that we know will make a positive difference in our workplace and to the success of the company.” Sana praises Filinto Galban Regional Director of Operations, for his support and creating a leadership-based environment at EWR, “he is definitely a motivator and inspiration for me. I look up to him as a role model.”
Since starting with Areas just a few months ago in December, Sana has learned much about her peers. “One of the things I love the best about the team I work with is that they are not afraid to push boundaries. They are amenable to change and okay with stepping outside their comfort zone to create new pathways, enabling them to become more productive and creative.” She adds that it’s easy to work with a new team that has such a positive attitude.
Sana’s mission has been to create a work atmosphere that lends itself to growth in sales and productivity. “I want team members to feel supported and know there is room to advance in their respective roles within the company—just as I plan to do so for myself.” Sana quotes New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant, on why she thinks it is wise to be a giver in the workplace and to invest in people: “The more I help out, the more successful I become. But I measure success in what it has done for the people around me. That is the real accolade.”