Dec 15, 2017

HMSHost Receives City Council Approval for 10-Year Food & Beverage Contract in Partnership with D.C. Garrett Group at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport

HMSHost enters new market; to bring favorite local and national restaurant brands to travelers in ‘the live music capital of the world’

AUSTIN, TX — Global restaurateur HMSHost is entering a new North America Airport market with Austin City Council approval yesterday of a 10-year food & beverage contract at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. In partnership with D.C. Garrett Group, HMSHost will operate nine new locations in the airport’s new international terminal, bringing a variety of local and national favorites to travelers in the Texas capital.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be entering the diverse and vibrant city of Austin with this new partnership with the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport,” said HMSHost President and CEO Steve Johnson. “We’re very much looking forward to bringing travelers a dynamic mix of local restaurants and dining experiences that truly reflect Austin, and we thank the airport for this great opportunity.”

HMSHost will soon welcome travelers to the airport industry’s first true live action food hall kitchen, Austin City Kitchen. Austin City Kitchen will feature a new age market, taproom, and live action kitchens that give diners the opportunity to watch their food being prepared right before their eyes.

Anchored by the iconic Austin-born Torchy’s Tacos, the food hall will also feature local favorites Noble Sandwich Co., Sushi-A-Go-Go by Komé, and a taproom by Austin Beerworks called The Beer Drop, where travelers can educate themselves on craft beer from Austin’s most popular brewery. Travelers that want to grab a last minute culinary souvenir or some local produce can shop at the Hardies Fresh Foods market, also within the food hall. To stay true to Austin’s cultural revolution, Austin City Kitchen also has a main stage that will feature live music from a rotating selection of Austin’s finest musicians.

Travelers looking for Austin’s casual dining experience? Look no further! Across from Austin City Kitchen, will be 24 Diner by ELM Restaurant Group, Austin’s most iconic chef-inspired diner, loved by locals and foreigners alike. 24 Diner has reinterpreted and reinvented American diner standards. At 24 Diner in Austin-Bergstrom, airport travelers will discover chef-driven comfort food highlighting local, organic, and seasonal ingredients; all the highlights that have made 24 Diner in town a star. The street side location has been featured on numerous TV and news publications like Food Network Stars’ ‘Top Austin Restaurants’ and Food and Wine’s ‘America’s Best Diner.’

At the end of the terminal, HMSHost will open Parkside, a downtown East Sixth Street staple. Opened in 2008, Parkside is the place where renowned Chef Shawn Cirkiel, founder of Parkside Projects, pioneered farm-to-table dining in Austin. As the Capital city’s first gastropub, the Parkside location in the airport will feature everything from its award-winning burger to an extensive raw bar. For those travelers with a little more time on their hands, guests can enjoy a signature cocktail from our highly skilled mixologists while listening to live music from Austin musicians.

Also in the terminal expansion, will be Jugo Juice, a chef-driven juice, snacks, and smoothie concept, also by Chef Shawn Cirkiel of Parkside Projects. Jugo is located in the heart of downtown Austin, and its airport location will feature healthy, creative grab-n-go salads, protein snacks and bowls, and fresh-pressed juices.

For travelers looking for their favorite coffee, HMSHost will also be bringing the number one demanded coffee to Austin travelers, Starbucks® coffee, for the very first time.

“Dannon Garrett and I are extremely excited to be entering into our first travel concessions venture with HMSHost right here in our hometown of Austin,” said D.C. Garrett Group principle partner Rick Garrett. “With our 15 years of street side experience, we plan to make a valuable contribution to the Austin-Bergstrom dining experience.”

“HMSHost is thrilled to bring travelers of Austin these popular dining offerings in partnership with D.C. Garrett Group and our local restaurant partners,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi. “Austin is a forward-thinking culinary city and the new restaurants we’ll soon open will showcase the best mix of culinary offerings reflective of this unique place.”