Apr 2, 2025
HMSHost Named Best Overall Restaurateur among Large Operators at 2025 Airport Experience Awards
At prestigious annual industry awards, leader in travel dining recognized for excellence in operations, customer service, creativity, food quality, and marketing
BETHESDA, Maryland (April 2, 2025) – Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL) and a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, earned the esteemed title of Best Overall Restaurateur among large operators at the 2025 AX Awards hosted by Airport Experience News during its 21st annual Airport Experience Conference in Washington, D.C.
Best Overall Restaurateur is awarded to a restaurateur who excels in every phase of operations, customer service, creativity, food quality, and marketing. Airport Experience News recognized HMSHost for its success in making a traveler’s journey as rewarding as their destination through its innovative concepts, notable brand portfolio, high-quality food, and exceptional service.
“Each day, our team members put the traveler at the center of everything they do to make the journey the best it can be, and last night our industry applauded that commitment,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. “This award is a testament to their dedication to serving travelers, from the early morning hours to the last flight of the night, and I could not be more proud of how they demonstrate that passion every day. I look forward to celebrating this recognition with our thousands of team members across North America.”
At this year’s awards gala, numerous HMSHost dining concepts were celebrated among North America’s best, earning recognition as finalists across several categories: Best Bar Experience, Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept, Best Local-Inspired Restaurant, and Best Casual Dining Concept. Additionally, Airport Experience News recognized HMSHost as a finalist for the Restaurateur with the Highest Regard for Customer Service and the Avolta team at Calgary International Airport (YYC) as a finalist for Best Local Management Team for building a foundation of trust and credibility and its collective commitment to addressing the needs of modern travelers to create a welcoming atmosphere at YYC and boost traveler satisfaction.
“YYC Calgary International Airport is proud to nominate our local Avolta management team for this award,” said Chris Niergarth, General Manager of Retail and Development, The Calgary Airport Authority. “Their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and guest experience has truly raised the bar for airport hospitality. From their thoughtful attention to detail to their passion for service, Avolta consistently delivers elevated travel experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. We’re grateful for their partnership and the collaborative spirit they bring to everything we do. Together, we’re redefining what world-class travel looks like—right here in Calgary.”
About HMSHost
HMSHost, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL), is a leader in creating dining for travel venues.
The restaurateur operates over 1,000 locations in nearly 80 airports across North America,
including proprietary concepts, local, regional, and national brands, and partnerships with award-winning chefs.
For decades, HMSHost has curated food and beverage programs that make a traveler’s journey as exciting as the destination.
The industry has repeatedly recognized HMSHost with awards such as Restaurateur with the Highest Regard for Customer Service and Best Brand Restaurateur for Shake Shack by Airport Experience News. In recent years, USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards has awarded first place honors to HMSHost's Three Kings Public House at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and its Whisky River locations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). ACI-NA, the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, recognized HMSHost with the 2020 Associate Inclusion Champion Award for leadership and achievement in the ongoing inclusion of business and workforce diversity, outreach, and advocacy. Additionally, ACI-NA awarded HMSHost the 2024 Excellence in Airport Concessions Award for the Best Employee Recognition Program. The company also creates original, award-winning events and campaigns including Airport Restaurant Month, Channel Your Inner Chef live culinary contest, 1,000 Acts of Kindness, JBF@ORD Chef Series, and Eat Well. Travel Further.
Visit HMSHost.com for more information and connect with HMSHost on LinkedIn and Instagram.
