Dépêches

HMSHost and Starbucks Coffee Company Celebrate 20 Years at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Dépèche transmise le 11 novembre 2011 par Business Wire

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Autogrill Group American subsidiary HMSHost, world leader in creating dining and shopping for travel venues, and Starbucks Coffee, the world’s most recognized coffee brand, today celebrate 20 years of partnership as both companies commemorate the 1991 opening of the first Starbucks Coffee location in an airport at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

“Our goal, through our licensed business partnerships, is to provide our customers access to the Starbucks Experience wherever they are, including in airport terminals throughout North America”

“We are pleased to have worked with HMSHost and Starbucks over the past two decades—as the airport Starbucks grew from one small kiosk to seven thriving airport locations,” said Mark M. Reis, Managing Director for Sea-Tac Airport. “Having this iconic Seattle coffee brewer as one of our concession offerings helps us deliver the Northwest experience to hometown and visiting travelers alike.”

During the last 20 years, the business has grown to 350 HMSHost locations in more than 75 airports and highway travel plazas around North America. HMSHost’s consumer research shows Starbucks Coffee is the preferred—and most recognized—brand of airport travelers. The two companies recently extended their agreement to develop 120 new locations in travel venues over the next 10 years.

“Our goal, through our licensed business partnerships, is to provide our customers access to the Starbucks Experience wherever they are, including in airport terminals throughout North America,” said Cliff Burrows, president, Starbucks Coffee U.S. and the Americas. “Today, we are thrilled to acknowledge our 20-year business partnership with HMSHost and Sea-Tac Airport, where our licensed store business began, and, moreover, celebrate the five partners who have been wearing the Starbucks green apron at Sea-Tac from the beginning.”

The morning’s festivities began with remarks of appreciation and a celebratory coffee tasting for five HMSHost associates who have supported Starbucks Sea-Tac airport locations for 20 years: Brenda Canady-Valbush, Keri Krokenes-Williams, Julie LaBissioniere, Marlynn Palmer, and Ana Riza Sadi Caoagdan, who were all present at the ceremony.

“In my 20 years of working with HMSHost and Starbucks, I’ve watched our business grow from the very first Starbucks in an airport at Sea-Tac to airport and travel plaza locations across the country, offering travelers a great cup of coffee and making their day better,” said Marlynn Palmer, HMSHost assistant general manager, Sea-Tac Airport.

“This 20-year partnership is based on a shared spirit of creativity and innovation from both HMSHost and Starbucks Coffee. The work of our five long-time associates is an unparalleled example of this successful approach. It is truly what enables us to create value for our guests and our landlords, through the top-quality experience for which both companies are known,” said Pat Banducci, Senior Vice President, Business Development for HMSHost.

Two of the best-known brands in the world, HMSHost and Starbucks Coffee have served travelers more than 42 million coffee beverages during their 20-year history at Sea-Tac Airport.

About Autogrill and HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining and shopping for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.5 billion and employs more than 34,000 sales associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. With sales of over €5.7 billion in 2010, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,000 people. It manages over 5,300 stores in more than 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com and www.autogrill.com for more information and find us on Facebook at HMSHost Making the Traveler’s Day Better.

About Starbucks Corporation

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

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