Miami, FL September 20, 2023
Areas Wins Contract to Operate New Restaurants and Stores at Atlanta International Airport
Areas USA, a global leader in travel hospitality, is thrilled to announce its award of a contract to operate four celebrated local and national restaurant brands, plus a Starbucks, and two innovative retail stores at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Concourses C, E and F.
The contract is for a 10-year term and the new restaurants are slated to open in various stages starting in late 2024 and completing in the Spring of 2025. Included in the lineup are celebrated local and national favorites offering a diverse spectrum of flavors that have enriched Atlanta’s culinary landscape.
This latest win reinforces Areas’ position as an industry frontrunner and expands the company’s presence at ATL where it has enjoyed operating 13 retail stores since 2008.
“We are excited to continue growing our footprint at Hartsfield-Jackson and are eager to introduce the incredible local brands we have carefully curated to showcase the best of Atlanta,” says Carlos Bernal, CEO of Areas. “Our program will deliver an authentic, culinary-driven, local experience inspired by the heritage and heart of this great city.”
Areas is proud to partner with Landrea Murray, Managing Member of Shellis Management Services and Shawnalea Garvin, President of AETC Aviation Management Group who together bring five decades of hospitality experience to the project. Landrea and Shawnalea are respected business icons in the Atlanta community and will help Areas become a more deeply rooted part of the city.
Landrea will be involved in the business decisions of all the new concepts (with the exception of Starbucks) as well as in the daily operations of the units. Shawnalea will be involved with the management of the retail store, ATL Community Market.
“We are excited to partner with Areas,” says Landrea. “They recognize and value the reputation Shellis has established and are creating innovative ways to bring the best of both companies into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International through this partnership.”
“Being a concessionaire at ATL has been a 27-year journey. I’m grateful and excited about the next season in my ATL Airport Career!” says Shawnalea.
Areas is also partnering with local community organizations creating positive change in the city including, Goodr, a food waste and recovery organization and Umi Feeds, which provides services and resources for the hungry and homeless. Additionally, Areas has aligned with the Giving Kitchen, which provides financial support and community resources for local food service workers in times of need.
“We are pleased to actively support these organizations who will help us fulfill our pledge to contribute to the long-term well-being of the Atlanta community,” says Richard Schneider, Chief Development Officer. “We look forward to continuing to connect in meaningful ways with Atlanta’s communities and have enjoyed being a valued part of one of the most compelling and dynamic cities in the world.”
Areas is pleased to present the guests of ATL with the following new restaurants and stores:
- Duff’s Market: a one-of-a-kind market-style dining experience with America’s Favorite Baker, Chef Duff Goldman. From Duff’s famous baked goods and innovative dessert-themed cocktails to sandwiches that pay homage to his childhood, the market has something to please everyone.
- Old Fourth Distillery + Kitchen: tucked inside Atlanta’s historic Old 4th Ward, the distillery will bring award-winning spirits and hand-crafted libations to complement a chef-driven menu celebrating the best Georgia has to offer.
- Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles: presented by famed partners Crystal Smith and Ne-Yo, as well as Karlie Redd from VH1’s Love n’ Hip Hop, travelers get to enjoy crispy fried chicken, seasoned and sauced atop fluffy, perfectly decadent waffles.
- Starbucks and strEAT: travelers can enjoy their favorite coffee while indulging in strEAT’s innovative and locally-inspired fare.
- Citizen’s Culinary Market: Three Michelin-starred chef Dani Garcia’s take on Mediterranean bowls, highlight a food hall featuring food from restaurant icons Alvin Cailan and Sam Nazarian. The acclaimed bar program will feature some of Georgia’s best spirit and beer producers.
- ATL Community Market: bringing the rich character and history of Atlanta into a destination shopping experience featuring locally handcrafted gifts of museum like quality as well as conveniences and a technology efficient checkout.
- On Your Way (Powered by Mastercard): a tech-forward shopping experience, created in partnership with Master Card, giving shoppers the amenities they need in an autonomous retail environment. Shoppers select their products then go on their way with a lightning-fast transaction.
About Areas USA
Areas USA is a leader in the travel hospitality sector operating 140 restaurants and retail stores in ten major airports and 13 travel plazas in three states. The company operates restaurants and retail stores in the following major airports: Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Miami, Chicago O’Hare, Houston Hobby, Newark Liberty, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Orlando, Detroit Metro Airport, and Indianapolis. Areas USA also operates travel plazas along the turnpikes in Florida, Maryland, and West Virginia.
Areas USA is a subsidiary of Areas SAU, an international leader in food and beverage and travel retail. With a presence in 10 countries, the company manages more than 2,000 restaurants and stores in Europe and America.
With a team of 20,000 people and locations in main transport hubs around the world (airports, train stations, travel plazas on highways), as well as leisure parks, Areas provides service to more than 350 million customers every year.
Founded in 1968 in Barcelona, Areas is committed to offering high-quality services to travelers. Since then, Areas has become a global benchmark operator in the industry, with a deep knowledge of travelers’ needs and the widest range of restaurant concepts in the industry.
Media contact:
Pauline Armbrust
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Email: Pauline.Armbrust@Areas.com
Mobile: 305-798-3081
