Salsaga Blog

PORTLAND, Ore., April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Portland Aviation Business and Properties General Manager Chris Madsen, SSP America Chief Executive Officer Les Cappetta, Laurelwood owner Mike DeKalb and Oregon Brewers Guild Executive Director Brian Butenschoen joined airport officials to celebrate the grand opening of a Portland original, Laurelwood Public House & Brewery. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and beer tasting was held at the Concourse E location at Portland International Airport (PDX).SSP, the Food Travel Experts, operates in airports in 29 countries. Based on the results of a recent global research program that highlights the healthy and organic niche currently lacking in airports, SSP is now bringing enhanced restaurant offerings to North American airports. Portland’s renowned dedication to the environment prompted SSP America to introduce Laurelwood to PDX.SSP America Chief Executive Officer Les Cappetta commented, “Given Portland’s commitment to the local community and environment, it was a natural move for us to not only build on the reputation of Laurelwood, but also to support local organic brewers.”A Portland exclusive, Laurelwood is known for brewing Oregon’s original certified organic beers. Its Organic Free Range Red and Organic Tree Hugger Porter are recognized as environmentally-friendly brews and world-class ales. Patrons will also enjoy produce from local farmers, all natural Oregon Country Beef, Draper Valley Chicken, Carlton Farms Pork, and Laurelwood’s signature breakfasts, including a local favorite, the “Tree Hugger Scramble.”"We are extremely happy to welcome Laurelwood to PDX,” said Chris Madsen, General Manager, Aviation Business and Properties. “Not only does this addition reinforce our program’s commitment to bring the finest of local food and beverage to the airport, but it gives our travelers the opportunity to enjoy all of the good things this popular Portland establishment has to offer.”PDX’s year-round commitment to the environment made it an ideal location for this environmentally friendly restaurant. For the past two years, business travelers rated PDX high for environmental initiatives in Conde Nast Traveler’s annual readers’ poll. Mirroring Laurelwood’s participation in local composting programs, PDX also converts everything from table scraps to coffee grounds into high-quality compost as part of its “green” programs.”Environmental responsibility is important to us so we are happy to share our enthusiasm with travelers,” said DeKalb. “We want our customers to be just as excited about organic beer and menu options as we are.”Laurelwood is exemplary of an impressive line of organic and healthy food options SSP America is now offering to North American airports. Camden Food Co., another SSP America exclusive, features an organic menu with biodegradable and recyclable packaging.”Our partnership with Laurelwood epitomizes our strategy to compliment our extensive international and national brand portfolios with iconic local and national brands and concepts,” Cappetta added. “Since opening our first Laurelwood location last fall at PDX, the restaurant has become a popular meeting place. This supports our ambition to provide more space and sanctuary for the traveling consumer.”About SSPSSP, the Food Travel Experts, is the leading dedicated operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, with operations in more than 125 airports in 29 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, M&S Simply Food, Bonne Journee, Caviar House & Prunier, Pizza Hut, Upper Crust and Le Train Bleu. SSP has operations in airports, train stations, retail parks and conference centers.SSP AmericaSSP America operates in more than 42 airports across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean. Other third party brands in the broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Silver Diner, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc., Houlihan’s Restaurants, Dunkin’ Donuts, Panda Express, Five Guys, Chick-fil-A, Arby’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Au Bon Pain, T.G.I. Friday’s Restaurants, Carl’s Jr. and A & W Restaurants. 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.In addition to the Laurelwood locations, SSP America also opened a Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza and Quiznos Subs at PDX. These restaurants help to provide travelers with an array of dining choices.About PDXPortland International Airport is known for excellent customer service, an award-winning concessions program, convenient nonstop air service and care for the environment. Owned and operated by the Port of Portland, PDX serves Oregon and southwest Washington. In 2007, PDX tallied an all-time record of more than 14.6 million travelers and helped move more than 280,000 tons of air cargo.Established in 1891 by the Oregon legislature, the Port of Portland today owns four marine terminals, four airports (Portland International, Hillsboro, Troutdale and Mulino) and four business parks. The mission of the Port is to enhance the region’s economy and quality of life by providing efficient cargo and air passenger access to national and global markets. SSP America

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