Mar 17, 2016

HMSHost Expands to New Heights at Fairbanks International Airport with the airport’s first Starbucks; The Local Also Soon to Open

Northernmost airport Starbucks location to date will serve as a warm welcome for Alaskan travelers

FAIRBANKS, AK — Global restaurateur HMSHost has partnered with Fairbanks International Airport for the first time, to bring two new dining options to travelers. HMSHost has recently opened Starbucks to give travelers a warm welcome to Fairbanks, and its proprietary concept, The Local will soon follow. This new Starbucks location in particular makes history as the northernmost Starbucks in an airport in the world to date, located less than 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

“We are very excited about opening this Starbucks and marking these momentous “firsts”, with our partner Fairbanks International Airport,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Stephen Douglas. “HMSHost has a longstanding partnership with Starbucks in airports throughout North America and we are very excited for the opportunity to partner with Fairbanks to bring the world’s favorite coffee to even the most northern travelers.”

“FAI welcomes the addition of Starbucks and looks forward to a successful partnership with HMSHost,” said Jeff Roach, Airport Manager at Fairbanks International Airport. “HMSHost has been wonderful to work with and strives to ensure excellence in service and product line. Our passengers are enjoying Starbucks coffee and delectable pastries and sandwiches since its opening. Their presence is an exciting addition for the future of the Airport and the Fairbanks community.”

The Local is a brand that HMSHost has expanded in North American airports and it has grown in popularity among travelers for how it delivers a true sense of the region in which it operates. In Fairbanks, The Local will feature a variety of sandwiches, salads, and hearty meals that speak to the local Alaskan palette alongside a full bar featuring craft brews and specialty cocktails. The Local is scheduled to open spring of 2016.

HMSHost operates in 116 airports around the globe with the addition of this new partnership with Fairbanks International Airport.