SSP America

🥒Last week, we let you know that we had a big pickle announcement on the way. 🥒 Now, we’re thrilled to welcome Jacob’s Pickles to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 (T5), bringing the beloved Upper West Side favorite to travelers for the first time. From Southern Fried Chicken & Biscuits to the signature Pickle Flight, it’s a true taste of New York at T5. A huge thank you to Jacob’s Pickles, Fraport USA, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, JFK T5, the SSP America JFK T5 team, and joint venture partners Byrd Retail Group, Kellee Communications Group Inc., and M&R Concessions for the collaboration that made this opening possible. Special thanks to those who spoke at the opening: Jacob’s Pickles Founder Jacob Hadjigeorgis; Fraport’s Chief Executive Officer Sabine Trenk and Vice President, New York Jose Cuevas; JetBlue’s Senior Manager of Onboard Experience Sven S.; JFK’s Managers of External Affairs & Community Outreach Rachelle Antoine, MSW and Akshar Patel; and SSP America’s Chief Development Officer Paul Loupakos, who said, “Jacob’s Pickles captures everything we love about New York: its sense of community, its creativity, and its comfort. At SSP America, we’re proud to partner with Jacob, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Fraport USA to bring a taste of place to travelers.” Welcome to JFK, Jacob’s Pickles!

Earlier this month, the SSP America leadership team was on the ground at Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) - O'Hare & Midway International Airports (MDW), connecting with team members and celebrating the great work happening across the airport. A huge shout-out to Tim Wilmes, Bethanie Bean, and everyone at MDW for their commitment to operational excellence and for bringing our values of team, passion, curiosity, and ownership to life every day. Your dedication delivers the exceptional experience our guests and airport partners count on. We’re proud of the momentum at MDW and energized by the collaboration driving strong performance across the operation. Thanks to every food travel expert at MDW for being the best part of the journey!

✈️ This National Entrepreneur’s Day, we’d like to thank Craig Huse for his partnership with SSP America! ✈️ From washing dishes at 14 to leading some of Indianapolis’ most iconic dining brands, Craig, chief executive officer and co-owner of Huse Culinary, has built a legacy rooted in passion, curiosity, and teamwork—values SSP America shares. Inspired by his father, Stephen Huse, and a lifelong love of hospitality, Craig’s entrepreneurial spirit is driven by more than business success; it’s about opportunity. “I like providing opportunities for team members to take their careers to the next level,” he says. “You can lose great people if you’re not creating space for them to grow.” Huse Culinary’s partnership with SSP America has brought Indy’s beloved Harry & Izzy's and 1933 Lounge + HC Tavern by St. Elmo—a union of legendary brands 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo, The HC Tavern + Kitchen, and St. Elmo Steak House—to Indianapolis International Airport, giving travelers a true taste of Indy before takeoff. What started 17 years ago has become a model partnership, blending world-class hospitality with the fast-paced airport environment. Craig’s advice for aspiring restaurateurs? “Work in the industry before starting your own. Get experience at every level and build relationships. It’s an industry of people.” As Huse Culinary prepares to open the first Harry & Izzy’s outside Indiana next year—in Arizona—Craig continues to prove that entrepreneurship is about vision, risk-taking, and community, both in the dining room and beyond. Thank you, Craig and the entire Huse team, for 17 years of partnership!

Congratulations to Senior Director of Learning & Development Julia Payne, MHRM., a 2025 PASSION Award winner! Julia embodies what it means to live our global values of team, curiosity, passion, and ownership, turning challenges into opportunities and pioneering new ways for our teams to learn, lead, and grow. This year, she led the design and launch of training programs that have reshaped how our teams operate across the US and Canada. Julia also launched Grab & Grow, SSP America’s first-ever leadership podcast, and co-created a new performance coaching model that’s helping our leaders embrace a coaching culture. Julia’s colleagues say she doesn’t just build programs, she builds capability, confidence, and connection. Her innovative mindset, commitment to inclusion, and passion for people make her an extraordinary example of our values in action. Thank you, Julia, for being an example for the entire SSP America team!

🥒 It’s National Pickle Day! 🥒 We have a dill-icious announcement we’d like to share with you…but you’ll have to wait until next week! 👀 Stay tuned, something bold and briny is on the way. 💚 #NationalPickleDay #SSPAmerica

Congratulations to Manager of Operations Jonathan White, a 2025 PASSION Award winner! At Spokane International Airport, Jonathan leads by example every day. His selfless approach and unwavering integrity set the tone for his entire team, inspiring those around him to bring their best to work. By consistently supporting his team, Jonathan fosters an environment where people feel valued, respected, and encouraged to share their ideas. His commitment to doing the right thing—prioritizing our global values of team, ownership, curiosity, and passion—builds trust and strengthens relationships across every level of the operation. Jonathan’s leadership creates a culture of care, collaboration, and excellence that benefits both his team and SSP America’s guests. His colleagues say it best: it’s an absolute pleasure working side by side with him.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Joint Venture Partner Leadership Award: 🏆Shonda Scott, founder and chief executive officer of 360 Total Concept Management Consulting 🏆Erin Clarke Humphreys, founder and chief executive officer of Erin Clarke + Co At Oakland International Airport - OAK, Shonda has worked tirelessly to elevate important conversations around airport growth, recovery, and community impact. SSP America Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Heather Barry shared, “Shonda’s leadership reflects the very best of partnership: informed, passionate, and deeply rooted in community impact.” Her advocacy and dedication have helped shape policies that support long-term success for our business and our people. At Indianapolis International Airport, Erin leads through steady collaboration and professionalism. Heather noted, “Erin’s leadership and consistent engagement have strengthened our presence and reputation within one of the country’s best-run airports.” Her partnership and insight continue to build trust and drive shared success. We are proud to celebrate Shonda and Erin for their exceptional leadership and for embodying the SSP America values of team, curiosity, ownership, and passion. Thank you, Shonda and Erin!

Today, as we celebrate Veterans Day in the US 🇺🇸 and Remembrance Day in Canada 🇨🇦, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the nations’ veterans including those on the SSP America team. We’re proud to work with and serve those who’ve shown true courage and commitment. Their example reminds us what service and teamwork are all about. To all veterans, we thank you. #VeteransDay #RemembranceDay

Congratulations to Server Jessica Roman, a 2025 PASSION Award winner! Jessica is the heart of Brooklyn Diner at LaGuardia Airport (LGA)! She treats every guest like family and always delivers service with a smile. Her leadership shines through in the way she guides her teammates, takes ownership, and brings a passionate, team-first attitude to every shift. Jessica’s dedication shines brightest when challenges arise. During a recent shift when the restaurant was understaffed, she jumped in to cover multiple roles while keeping her energy high and her attitude upbeat. Her commitment to hospitality and her ability to create a welcoming environment never go unnoticed. Jessica’s colleagues and guests alike recognize her as someone full of passion: hardworking, hospitable, and unfailingly positive. We’re proud to celebrate her outstanding service and the joy she brings to Brooklyn Diner every day.

Congratulations to the three 2025 PASSION Cup-winning airports! 🏆 Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport - ROC, led by Director of Operations David Smith 🏆 Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, led by Director of Operations Denise Stratton 🏆 John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 7, led by Director of Operations Fred Wolken Each of these airport teams demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and passion throughout the year. We’re so proud of their commitment to excellence and grateful for the leadership that makes their success possible. We can’t wait to celebrate with these teams when the PASSION Cup visits each airport in 2026!