SSP America

Each year, the SSP America team at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4 celebrates the team that keeps the international terminal humming like a well-oiled machine. This year, we were thrilled to serve 5,000 hardworking JFK International Air Terminal team members.  Director of Operations Greg Taylor weighed in, saying, “Every year, the best day is the Team Member Picnic at JFK T4. It’s a lot of work and takes weeks to orchestrate, but being of service to the people who make this airport run is incredibly rewarding. This is how we build a family, and we love to share that joy with everyone.” Thank you, team, for all that you do throughout the year!

Happy Labor Day! Today, we celebrate each team member. Whether you’re at one of our airport partners or the Support Center, what you do each day matters. From a smile for a weary traveler to crafting a comforting meal, from business development to managing operations, your PASSION makes an impact across North America.

SSP America and Huse Culinary have joined forces to bring three legendary Indiana brands to the Indianapolis International Airport: St. Elmo’s Steakhouse, 1933 Lounge, and HC Tavern + Kitchen. More than a co-branded space, this is a shared commitment to bold, scratch-made food and heartfelt hospitality. From handcrafted cocktails to steaks done right, every detail reflects the best of local flavor—served with pride to travelers looking for something truly memorable. “We’re delighted to expand our footprint at the Indianapolis International Airport with the 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo and the HC Tavern + Kitchen,” said Bob Stanton, senior vice president of business development for SSP America. “Working with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and the Huse Culinary team to bring this concept to life has been a rewarding experience, and we look forward to offering a new taste of place to Hoosiers and visitors alike.” The space is already making waves. Not satisfied with a ‘standard’ opening, Huse Culinary and SSP America collaborated with the Indianapolis Airport Authority, the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Devour Indy to welcome these brands to IND. We invited local food writers and influencers to check out the restaurant and help judge a mocktail competition.

What’s a great way to encourage PASSION in every team member? PIE-ING! At SSP America, meeting goals can turn into pie-throwing. Over the past few weeks, Directors of Operations Cecil Dulaney, Lindsay Clemons, Bethanie Bean, Will Cooke, and Darryl Karp, as well as Operations Manager Mulugeta Abraham, Regional Vice President of Operations Trishwantie S., and Division President of Operations Geoffrey Lentz got ‘pied’ by superstar teams at Denver International Airport, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Sonoma County Airport (STS), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport - IAH. "Taking a pie or 10 in the face seems like a small task for the hard work my team does day in and day out to not only exceed expectations but to 'smash' our record out of the park. 'Proud' is an understatement to describe the team that clocks in at Denver International Airport for SSP America. To the whole team, from the hourly team members to support to management, thank you!” said Bethanie Bean. Trish Singh also weighed in, saying, “Record-breaking performances don't happen by chance at LaGuardia; they happen when a tight-knit team brings grit, pride, and a whole lot of hustle to work. The LGA team holds itself to the highest standard. They push each other to be better and ALWAYS prioritize fun. They chased the record ferociously, and threw a party when it was time to ‘pie’ Geoffrey and me. I would do it again in a heartbeat for this team!” Darryl Karp also commented, "Lubbock is a small, but mighty airport due to its unmatched team and their welcoming attitude, hard work, and dedication. What better way to celebrate than by inviting them to ‘give’ back to the director in the form of a pie in the face! We didn’t settle for just one pie; we wanted everyone to have a chance. Here’s to this team and what’s next, and a BIG thank you to everyone at LBB. It wouldn’t be possible without you.” Congratulations to all of the ‘pie teams.’ Way to get whipped up into the fun!

Happy Waffle Day! Thanks, SSP America team, for serving up waffles just how travelers like them—piled high with fresh fruit, drizzled with syrup, with a side of chicken…any way, really! There's a waffle style for everyone, and we appreciate the team that cooks, serves, and cleans up after every waffle.

We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of Romer’s Fresh Kitchen & Bar at Vancouver International Airport! Romer’s Founder Chef Jim Romer expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at SSP Canada and YVR for the incredible opportunity to bring the Romer’s brand to Vancouver International Airport. It’s both an honor and an exciting milestone for us, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this vibrant, dynamic operation moving forward. We look forward to serving travelers and showcasing the flavors of Romer’s to the world.”  “We take great pride in bringing local, best-in-class brands to YVR that reflect the flavors, values, and creativity of our region, and partnering with Romer’s Fresh Kitchen & Bar is an important part of this commitment,” added Eric Pateman, MBA, FRCGS, YVR’s vice president of passenger experience and chief experience officer. “With the opening of Romer’s at YVR, we’re thrilled that passengers now have yet another favorite Vancouver restaurant to enjoy—with high-quality menu options made from locally sourced ingredients—as they travel through the airport.” “As a BC native, bringing local restaurants to Vancouver International Airport is near and dear to my heart,” said Richard Wilson, SSP Canada’s vice president of brands and concepts. “YVR’s culinary scene has become a destination in itself, and SSP Canada is proud to have been part of this community for nearly 20 years. With the opening of Romer’s, we bring an iconic taste of place, featuring a brand known for its fresh burgers and locally sourced ingredients. Thank you to Romer’s and YVR for working with us to bring yet another great local concept to the terminal.” With a focus on quality and locally sourced ingredients, we’re excited for both locals and travelers to enjoy what Romer’s has to offer!

This World Entrepreneurs’ Day, we’re celebrating one of SSP America’s newest joint venture partners: Jimmy McMikle, MBA at Bradley International Airport (BDL)! Born and raised in Hartford, Jimmy has spent his career building connections and finding solutions. His path to hospitality began during the pandemic, when his consulting work with area restaurants and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development sparked a PASSION for the industry. Now, he’s bringing that energy to BDL with brands like Tap & Pour, D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, Charter House Kitchen & Bar, and more. What excites Jimmy most about working with SSP America? “The knowledge is there, the experience is there, and the roadmap for success is clear. I’m never in the dark, and I’ve been able to connect with leaders at the highest level right from the start.” Like SSP America, Jimmy is PASSIONate about bringing a taste of place to the airport dining scene and representing the Northeast’s rich cultural mix where, as he puts it, “you can get anything, anytime.” Welcome aboard, Jimmy—we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make at BDL!

This National Aviation Day, we reflect on how far we’ve come. From the Wright brothers’ first flight to today’s cutting-edge technology, aviation continues to inspire wonder and bring the world closer together. You know what else brings people together? Food. Sharing a taste of place means sharing a location’s culture—its people and its way of life—with others. Food is how we welcome loved ones and strangers alike. It’s an honor to be part of the food travel industry in airports throughout North America on National Aviation Day and every day.

SSP America’s Todd Kaufman, chief information officer, was recently on the podcast “In The HotSeat With HotSchedules” eating wings and discussing AI with host Curt Richtermeyer, chief revenue officer of Fourth. Todd noted that SSP America is a hospitality company fully dedicated to continuing to serve passengers face-to-face, while also offering automated solutions to make traveling easier. He added that we’re in the 'AOL Instant Messenger phase' of AI, and that the future is unlimited. Have a listen to learn more about AI and find out Todd’s ‘superpower.’

The SSP America PASSION Cup made the final stop on its 2025 tour across the PASSION Cup-winning airports. The Cup was at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), which is under the direction of Director of Operations David Turner. David said, “Although my name is on the cup, this award truly belongs to the entire team here at PIE. I am blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful, hard-working, and dedicated people. This was all possible because of the incredible support we have for each other, our partnership with the St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, and Operations Manager Jose Blanco. PIE Familia Strong!” Congratulations to the four PASSION Cup-winning airports, PIE, Eastern Iowa Airport • CID, Tampa International Airport (TPA), and San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)!