SSP America expands into Spokane International Airport

03.04.2024 - 12:21 / traveldailynews.com / Vicky Karantzavelou

New Restaurant and Retail Program Focused on Bringing a ‘Taste of Place’ to GEG and Elevating Passenger Experience

UNITED STATES – SSP America, Inc. a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has been awarded a 10-year contract to lease, develop, and manage the Spokane International Airports restaurant and retail program.

SSP America will oversee the operation of nearly six retail locations and be responsible for developing and operating 11 restaurant locations in the airport’s terminals and soon-to-open expanded Concourse C gate area. The new food and beverage will be focused on local restaurants which celebrate the region’s culinary landscape.

Spokane International Airport, Zona Tacos and Tortas, rendering.

“When travelers visit Spokane International Airport, they’re not just passing through our gates onto their next destination. They’re stepping through the front door of the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene community, and reimagining the Airport’s concessions program enables us to simultaneously enhance the passenger experience and create new opportunities to engage and spotlight local Inland Northwest businesses,” said Ezra Eckhardt, Spokane Airports Board Chair. “After an extensive RFP process, we’re pleased to welcome SSP America to the Airport and look forward to the innovative approach we expect they will bring to our concessions program.”

Under SSP America, the Airport’s new restaurants and retail offerings will feature offerings from Zona Tacos and Tortas by the two-time James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef Northwest & Pacific and restaurateur Chef Chad White as well as The Yards Bruncheon by Chef Adam Hegsted who is also a James Beard Award Semifinalist. The restaurant line up also includes local favorites Jack & Dan’s Tavern, Iron Goat Brewing Co., Wanderlust Delicato, Wiley’s Downtown Bistro, Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters, and more.

“We have a passion for bringing a ‘taste of place’ to passengers,” said Scott Welding, Senior Vice President of Development and Pursuit of New Airports, SSP America. “Our ultimate goal is to shine a spotlight on the people, brands and flavors that make each region distinct and are thankful for the opportunity to become part of the Spokane International Airport community.”

Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She