From Common Bond Bakery to The Rustic, 10 new restaurants will elevate the travel experience, create nearly 300 jobs at the first and only 5-Star airport in North America
The guest experience for millions of travelers will soon be elevated at William P. Hobby Airport, HOU, the first and only 5-Star airport in North America. Houston Airports is enhancing its world-class experience by offering a new selection of diverse culinary options that celebrate the eclectic flavors of Houston that solidify a sense of place within the airport.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, Houston City Council gave final approval on a food and beverage concessions contract at HOU to LaTrelle’s Galley, LP. This is the first prime concessions contract for LaTrelle’s Management, a Houston-grown and Houston-headquartered company that is part of the FAA’s Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Program, ACDBE. LaTrelle’s has grown its business in both George Bush Intercontinental and Houston Hobby airports over the last 35 years.
The 10-year agreement is projected to generate as much as $74 million in revenue for Houston Airports. These new food and beverage options are expected to create at least 300 jobs spread across 10 concession locations.
The new lineup reflects the ambitious goal of Houston Airports to offer brands that meet the guiding principles of our concessions vision for Hobby Airport:
- Achieve exceptional customer service and offer a five-star experience
- Offer greater variety and quality for international passengers
- Increase opportunities for local operators
- Encourage innovative, unique and exciting concepts
- Showcase Houston as a premier, world-class destination
- Create a sense of place within the airport
“As the first and only 5-Star airport in North America, it’s imperative that Hobby Airport continues to elevate the passenger experience through unique, diverse and delightful culinary options,” said Jim Szczesniak, Chief Operating Officer for Houston Airports. “Because LaTrelle’s is rooted in Houston, I am confident that the variety of local, regional and national concepts will raise the bar on our world-class customer experience while ensuring all of our guests experience the ‘‘Houston friendly’ hospitality that comes with Hobby Airport being a five-star global service gateway.”
The new food and beverage program will feature a combination of local Houston flavors and national brands, specially curated so that the offerings are well-balanced, robust and meet the needs of all guests. The local concepts include iconic Houston landmarks Common Bond Bistro and Bakery, Velvet Taco, Pinks Pizza and Dish Society, complemented by tried-and-true national favorites like Wendy’s, Peet’s Coffee, Dunkin’ Donuts and Jersey Mike’s Subs.
“In 1985, my father’s first airport location was a 350-square-foot bakery in Hobby Airport. With today’s decision by this City Council, we will now operate over 17,000 square feet of Hobby Airport’s food and beverage locations. What an opportunity,” said Kenneth James with LaTrelle’s Management Corporation. “We are a local, family-owned and operated business. This is proof that given the access to compete on equal footing, small companies can execute large responsibilities. This is a privilege and an honor. We are humbled and grateful.”
Houston Airports anticipates LaTrelle’s Management’s transition into the concessions program at Hobby Airport to begin in April 2023. Houston City Council is slated to review a second concessions contract for Hobby Airport in the coming months.
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About LaTrelle’s — For over 35 years, LaTrelle’s has owned and operated a diverse portfolio of restaurants in some of America’s largest and busiest airports, cities and sports and entertainment venues. A James family company, LaTrelle’s has won countless awards for operational excellence, customer service, menu innovations, and cleanliness. LaTrelle’s is a trusted leader in the franchise management industry and CFO, Kenneth James, attributes the company’s expansive growth and continued success to its ongoing commitment to provide great food served fresh.
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