SSP Canada Strengthens Its Presence with Competitive Contract Wins at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

LANSDOWNE, Va., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- SSP Canada, the Canadian division of SSP, the leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, announced today that it has won a 7-year contract for 3 quick service restaurants and an 8-year contract for a casual dining restaurant at Canada's second busiest airport, Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The contracts are expected to generate an estimated US$60 million in revenue and create more than 100 full-time jobs.

Graham Clarke, Chair, Vancouver Airport Authority Board of Directors, said, "YVR's goal to continue to develop as a premier global gateway, made the selection of SSP, the leading operator of food and beverage internationally, a natural partnership. We are confident that SSP's experience and passion for food will provide the millions of travellers flying through Vancouver with an exceptional range of quality options."

"We are pleased to bolster SSP's growing presence and competitive position in the Canadian market with such an internationally recognized airport as Vancouver," said Pat Murray, Senior Vice President, Business Development for SSP Canada. "Our knowledge of the consumer coupled with our culinary expertise will provide for an outstanding food & beverage program that truly enhances the experience of travellers and reflects the rich culture of Vancouver."

Construction at YVR will begin in early 2009.

This announcement comes on the heels of SSP's lucrative contract win at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

About SSP

SSP, the Food Travel Experts, is the leading dedicated operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, with operations in more than 130 airports and 300 rail stations in 31 countries. Its unparalleled portfolio of international, national, local, specialty and new breakthrough food and beverage brands includes its own national and international brands. Among these are Caffe Ritazza, Burger King, Marks & Spencer Simply Food, Bonne Journee, Caviar House & Prunier, Pizza Hut, Upper Crust and Le Train Bleu. SSP has operations in airports, train stations, motorways, retail parks and conference centers.

About SSP America (SSP Canada / SSP Caribbean)

SSP America operates in more than 42 airports and motorways across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean. Other third party brands in the broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Houlihan's, Gordon Biersch, Dunkin' Donuts, Panda Express, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Chick-fil-A, Moe's Southwest Grill, Peet's Coffee & Tea, T.G.I. Friday's, Carl's Jr. and Buffalo Wild Wings. SSP America's brand portfolio also includes strong local icons such as Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, Bill Bateman's Bistro, Rams Head, Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Las Palapas Mexican Cafe, Brew Brothers Brewery and Legends of Aviation.

About Vancouver Airport Authority

The Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR expects to welcome 17.9 million passengers in 2008, and is the Official Airport of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Airport Authority is undertaking a $1.4-billion capital program that will ensure the airport meets the growing demand for air travel and continues to be developed as a premier global gateway and economic generator for British Columbia.

Contact: Darleen Nascimento

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