London, 2017-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has announced the opening of a 7,700 square-foot marché at Tampa International Airport comprised of six brands which offer the TPA traveler a memorable taste of the Tampa Bay region.
The opening of The Eatery at Terminal F is part of a larger 10-year, $298 million contract awarded by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority to operate 14 units occupying over 22,168 square feet at Tampa International Airport (TPA). Tampa International Airport is one of the region’s most significant economic engines, with a total economic output of more than $7 billion. The airport and its tenants employ more than 7,000 people on the airport campus and support more than 80,000 jobs in the community. TPA reported more than 18.9 million passengers in 2016.
>Michael Svagdis, SSP America Chief Executive Officer commented, “There’s a great synergy among this all-star group which includes our operating partner Perez of Florida Inc. and design team Alfonso Architects as well as this extraordinary group of local restaurant leaders. We are passionate about this long-term partnership and a collective focus on bringing the TPA passengers a unique taste of place from the Tampa Bay region.”
“Having worked with SSP America since 2001 as an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), I love that my own passion for great local restaurants is equaled by the SSP America team. And, of course, it’s great to see these amazing local brands continue to expand and develop their businesses airside,” said Ruben Perez, President of Perez of Florida, Inc.
SSP America is proud to have also partnered with Alfonso Architects, a Tampa based Architectural Design firm with a history of delivering many iconic and complex projects at Tampa International Airport including Airside C, the recent International Addition to Airside F, and the exciting new Eatery at Airside F. Over 5 years ago HCAA envisioned a unique dining experience at Airside F that would raise the bar on dining for travelling airport guests. Ultimately SSP America and Alfonso Architects were entrusted to deliver this new groundbreaking venue by assembling local and national brands in a high energy, modern Marche atmosphere.
TPA Marché F offers passengers a local market-place style eatery with multiple paying options, either at the counter where they order or at a central point of service location.
Bella Veloce: Opened in 1986, Bella’s Italian Café has become a Tampa star known for its authentic Italian food and warm, welcoming neighborhood ambience. At The Eatery, Bella Veloce will emphasize a carefully curated “best of” list, focusing on its hot-from-the-brick-oven pizza, mouthwatering sandwiches and garden-fresh salads. When asked about the opening, general manager Eric Potts said,“After 30 years in south Tampa we are honored to join SSP America’s TPA concessions team and are very excited about the exposure and the opportunity to reach new customers.”
Square 1: At Tampa’s own Square 1, all proteins are hormone and antibiotic-free, from the 100% all-natural Angus beef to ground chicken and buffalo—there’s even a juicy grilled Portobello burger for vegetarian travelers. Owners Joanie Corneil, Bill Shumate and Ray Leich source ingredients from the best purveyors, using only the finest seasonal produce, creamery-fresh dairy and fresh baked breads. Vice President Bill Milner said, “Square 1 is excited to partner with SSP America and TPA to bring our 11th location to market. Square 1 is an up-and-coming concept that appeals to all demographics. The exposure for Square 1 at the airport is incredible, and the partnership will only strengthen our brand.”
Buddy Brew: Brew Good and Do Good. That’s the Buddy Brew motto, reflecting Dave and Susan Ward’s commitment to sourcing the highest quality beans from the most dedicated sustainable farmers around the world. It also translates to the meticulous care in how the coffee is prepared, from hand roasting the beans to grinding and brewing them at the peak of freshness. Speaking on the opening, Ward said, “We couldn’t be more honored to represent Tampa by having a Buddy Brew Coffee bar at The Eatery. The opportunity to be exposed to domestic and international travelers in this wonderful airport is beyond measure.”
Fitlife Foods: David Osterweil’s Fitlife Foods offers passengers flavor-forward, healthy grab-and-go meals specifically prepared to power your travel endurance. Using fresh local ingredients, salads, wraps and expertly crafted meals and snacks are perfectly portioned, and meet every dietary preference including gluten-free, low-carb and vegetarian. Commenting on the opening, Osterweil said, “We’re excited to be a part of this opportunity and represent Tampa and the local business community. At Fitlife Foods, we are committed to powering travelers to be at their best with our fresh, grab-and-go items that are nutritious, delicious and perfectly crafted from scratch.”
Yogurtology: Yogurtology is known as “the art + science of frozen yogurt” and provides a truly memorable self-serve experience. Perfectly sized for travelers on the go and packed with the necessary vitamins and probiotic cultures to make it through the day. Director of Operations Kyle Walker commented, “We’re beyond excited to have the opportunity to share our fabulous product with everyone that travels through our great city. It truly has been an awesome experience bringing the local fare to TPA and giving them a little taste of what Tampa really has to offer!”
Liquid Provisions: A focal point in The Eatery, Liquid Provisions is an “effortlessly cool” spot created just for the TPA passengers. A full service bar punctuated by local craft beer offers a welcome respite from the stresses of travel while and a small plate menu featuring shareable plates like the charcuterie & cheese board, or forward-thinking twists on the classics like the smoked gouda mac & cheese or roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon-butter, honeyed golden raisins and shaved Reggiano. SSP America Vice President of Business Development, John Clark commented, “We are honored to deliver a concept that is tailored to TPA’s vision of an extraordinary passenger experience that attracts travelers from around the globe. Liquid Provisions will truly offer TPA travelers a taste of place.”
Contact:
Templemere Public Relations
+44 (0) 1306 735574
press.office@ssp-intl.com
Source: SSP America