Dec 17, 2012

HMSHost and Chef Johnny Hernandez Partner to Bring a New Culinary Experience to San Antonio International Airport

Joint venture will bring travelers a variety of new dining options

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Global restaurateur HMSHost and Chef Johnny Hernandez are proud to announce a new joint venture at San Antonio International Airport that will take travelers on a culinary journey. HMSHost was awarded an eight-year agreement with San Antonio International Airport to operate five new restaurants, with two additional sublease restaurant locations operating under the contract. HMSHost currently operates five existing restaurants at the airport.

Travelers at San Antonio International Airport will soon be able to experience the well-loved culinary creations of San Antonio Chef Hernandez’s own restaurant creations La Gloria and The Fruteria, and his innovative menu items at Mission City Icehouse, as well as HMSHost’s own dining location La Tapenade, along with national favorite Steak ‘n Shake, and Famous Famiglia and Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon, both operated by subtenants. The restaurants will begin opening in June 2013.

“San Antonio International Airport is honored to partner with HMSHost and Chef Johnny Hernandez to bring our customers new dining options when traveling through our airport,” said Frank Miller, Aviation Director at San Antonio International Airport. “From traditional Mexican cuisine, to local favorites, to old classics, the new restaurants will satisfy any craving you could think of and provide a culinary sampling of what our city has to offer.”

“HMSHost is elated to have the opportunity to partner with such an innovative, world-class chef as Johnny Hernandez,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “Chef Hernandez will bring his unique culinary talents and vision to San Antonio International Airport. We are also proud to honor the local San Antonio culture, as well as bring travelers some of their favorite classics.”

La Gloria, created and owned by Chef Johnny Hernandez, gives diners a unique taste of Mexican “street foods” which consist of taco al pastor, tlayudas, and cocteles de mariscos, among others. The rich and delicious foods and distinctive surroundings will remind customers that “No hace falta morir para llegar a la Gloria” (You don’t have to die to go to heaven)!

The Fruteria, also created by Chef Johnny Hernandez, will bring travelers fresh and healthy options with a tasty twist. Among the menu items are fruit cups, fresh, sliced fruit topped with lime juice and chili powder, yogurt and granola, as well as vegetable juices and a variety of smoothies. At night, The Fruteria will transform into a contemporary cocktail lounge featuring fresh fruit tequila cocktails.

Celebrating the rich and vibrant history of San Antonio, Mission City Icehouse offers excellent grab and go sandwich and salad creations, also brought to you by Chef Johnny Hernandez. The bar at Mission City Icehouse will concentrate on local breweries and distillers to continue the celebration of local culture.

HMSHost’s own La Tapenade Mediterranean Café offers customers a plethora of healthy, yet delicious meals. Featuring freshly baked bread, fire-roasted vegetables, specialty meats and assorted cheeses to fill sandwiches and top pizzas and salads, La Tapenade is a great escape from a hectic travel day.

Steak ‘n Shake features the famous combination of premium burgers and delicious milkshakes that will make your mouth water. For over 75 years, Steak ‘n Shake has been satisfying customers around the country, and this will be the first Steak ‘n Shake franchise to open in San Antonio.

Famous Famiglia, brings the most award-winning pizza brand to SAT. From chicken, spinach and breakfast strombolis, to chicken parmigiana and its famous pizzas, Famous Famiglia will provide travelers with good Italian favorites on the go.

Perfectly suited for airport travelers looking for a quick and delicious snack, Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon provides a variety of freshly baked pretzels. Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth? Grab a melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon roll from Cinnabon!