Areas USA, a global leader in travel hospitality, is thrilled to announce it has won a contract to operate five renowned local restaurant brands at San Diego International’s new Terminal One. The contract is expected to generate estimated revenues of $550 million over the 15-year term and the company will invest $18 million into the project.
The new restaurants, slated to open in various stages starting in late 2025, include celebrated local favorites and present the diverse spectrum of flavors that have enriched San Diego’s culinary landscape. Adding a distinctive spark to the mix is the new Novecientos Grados concept pairing two San Diego legends, skateboarding pioneer Tony Hawk and award-winning Chef Claudette Zepeda. Featuring a Cali-Mex menu, the restaurant will hold true to the bold and fearless attitude of its iconic partners.
This latest win reinforces Areas’ position as an industry frontrunner and adds notable substance to its growing portfolio of major airports.
“We are pleased to become part of the San Diego community and excited to offer this special lineup of brands that is reflective of the richness of the city’s food culture and sure to delight our future guests,” says Carlos Bernal, CEO of Areas USA. “This is a wonderful opportunity to expand our presence in California and deliver the high-quality operations and exceptional experiences that we are known for.”
Areas is proud to solidify its bonds within the San Diego community through its joint venture partner Elvin Lai, the fourth-generation owner-operator of the fabled Ocean Park Inn. Lai’s significant involvement within the community over many decades will help Areas become a more deeply rooted part of San Diego.
“I couldn’t have picked a more trusted and accomplished partner like Areas,” says Lai. “I’m excited to support more local jobs, showcase local businesses, and provide a positive economic impact on my beloved hometown,” he adds.
Areas is also partnering with local nonprofit organizations to promote employment for underserved but valued residents of San Diego and will actively engage in developing training programs and providing other relevant resources.
“We are pleased to invest in the San Diego community as we look to further an inclusive future with ample job opportunities,” says Rich Schneider, Chief Development Officer of Areas USA. “Our partnerships with local nonprofit organizations allow us to connect with groups such as veterans and people with disabilities and provide them with the support needed for meaningful employment.”
Areas is pleased to present the guests of San Diego International’s Terminal One with the following new restaurants:
Novecientos Grados: An ultra-hip vibe featuring a partnership between skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and award-winning Chef Claudette Zepeda.
Luna Grill: Fresh, nutritious, healthy Mediterranean cuisine by San Diego-based husband and wife team, Maria and Sean Pourteymour.
SIP Wine & Beer: A beer and wine-tasting room promoting brands created by women and people of color. Created by “Fresh Glass” TV Emmy Award-winning producer Cassandra Schaeg.
Carnitas’ Snack Shack: Indulgent pork-centric dishes replicating the original Embarcadero waterfront pork house, a hugely popular destination for locals. Owned by Grain and Grit Collective
Mr. Moto’s Pizza: NY-style pizza house with a San Diego twist founded by local Gibran Fernandez in Pacific Beach. Thin-crusted gourmet pies with a thick, airy outer edge.
About Areas
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 these airports: Los Angeles International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Miami International, Chicago O’Hare International, Houston Hobby International, Newark Liberty International, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International, Orlando International, Detroit Metro Airport, and Indianapolis International. 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 the main transport hubs in 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, VP of Marketing and Communications: Email: Pauline.Armbrust@Areas.com, Mobile: 305-798-3081