High-end Restaurant and Retail Brands Make it More Fun to Travel This Summer

During the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more Americans will hit the road and the runway than any other time of year, and travelers will find more reasons to enjoy the journey. HMSHost, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, has "stocked the shelves" of U.S. motorways and airports to create an experience for the more than 200 million travelers* expected to drive and fly this summer. The focus is not only on what the travel-weary will eat, drink and forget to pack, but also on the surprises that will make the journey as memorable as the destination.

"HMSHost has served travelers for more than 100 years, with high-quality food and retail," said Elie W. Maalouf, President & CEO, HMSHost. "Whether travelers are flying or driving to their summer vacation, we offer exciting shops and restaurants to make their travel experience a more enjoyable one."

Air Wear & Fare

Travelers now have more choices when purchasing last-minute vacation necessities at the airport, from designer swimwear to sunscreen. HMSHost's World Passage, a high-end, gate-side retail concept, sells apparel and accessories from Coach, Armani, Givenchy and Ralph Lauren at airports nationwide. HMSHost-branded Destination stores in high-traffic airports in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Toronto carry urban fashions from hot brands such as Puma, Oakley, Polo Jeans, Tommy, Seven7 Jeans, Haraijuku Lovers, Kenneth Cole and Guess.

Airports are becoming destinations for dining and flying, as more celebrity chefs partner with HMSHost to bring their signature dishes to airport-designed restaurants. Bonfire Steakhouse, opening at John F. Kennedy International Airport Memorial Day Weekend, was created for HMSHost by acclaimed chef Todd English. The venue offers a respite from the usual airport fare, in a setting more akin to a city restaurant, with table service and seasonal menus.

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, "local" means Kathy Casey's market-fresh foods at Dish D'Lish(TM). Nothing says 'California dreamin' better than Chef David Wilhelm's Jetsons-themed Oasis Grill & Sky Lounge, the only full-service restaurant at Orange County's John Wayne Airport.

In conjunction with HMSHost, world-renowned Food TV celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is expanding his culinary empire with Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express, a fast-casual concept featuring Puck's signature pizzas and salads at multiple airports including Boston, Chicago O'Hare, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle-Tacoma and Charlotte Airports.

On the Road

HMSHost successfully operates more than 100 travel plazas on more than 13 of the most heavily traveled motorways in the U.S. and Canada. With the heaviest traffic season beginning this month, the company renovated and rebuilt travel plazas on highways from Maine to Florida, opening various outposts of Z Market, an upscale convenience store. At Z Market, high end travel products such as digital camera batteries and memory cards are sold alongside a selection of fresh, hot gourmet "foods to go" and Fresh Attractions sandwiches, wraps, salads and sides. Visitors also can enjoy a pick-me-up at a Starbucks Coffee at select travel plazas nationwide, or summer staples like smoothies and ice cream at Freshens Frozen Treats.

Regional specialties are available on the road.

Maryland House Travel Plaza, located on Interstate 95, between exits 80 and 85 in Aberdeen, is now home to Phillips Seafood Express, the country's first quick casual version of the family-owned restaurant known for its award winning Chesapeake Bay crab cakes.

Stopping for refreshments can taste and feel good this summer with philanthropic donations.

In celebration of 100 Days of Summer, HMSHost is working with the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO) and The Coca-Cola Company and is donating $0.05 from every purchase of a 32 oz. Coke fountain soft drink at its travel plazas to support U.S. troops and families worldwide. Last summer, HMSHost sold over 1.5 million of these cups and raised $76,000 for the USO, through a similar special promotion.

For travelers with star memorabilia in their eyes, stay on the lookout.

In addition to charity with the USO and The Coca-Cola Company, visitors to select HMSHost travel plazas will be able to catch a glimpse of Richard Childress Racing's red No. 3 Coca-Cola Chevrolet Monte Carlo, driven by seven- time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt.

*Last summer, the TSA forecasted 200 million air travelers nationwide, and the ACI Global Traffic Forecast 2006-2025 Executive Summary anticipates a 3.7% increase in U.S. growth during 2007.

About HMSHost

HMSHost is world-renowned for creating customized shopping and dining spaces in travel venues. The innovative company operates in more than 100 airport locations around the globe, including 19 of the 20 busiest airports in North America. HMSHost has annual sales in excess of $2.3 billion and employs more than 28,000 associates worldwide.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Autogrill S.p.A, HMSHost and the Autogrill Group are recognized leaders in travel amenities. With sales exceeding euro 3.9 billion, Autogrill is present in 32 countries with more than 4,800 points of sale in over 1050 locations (including 138 airports and 645 motorways) where 50,000 employees serve over 840 million customers every year. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information.

Source: HMSHost