Outstanding Local Fare Lands at Oakland International: HMSHost Opens Popular Restaurants and Retail Shops

BETHESDA, Md., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than nine months after securing a 12-year contract at Oakland International Airport (OAK), HMSHost Corporation, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, has opened ten highly anticipated restaurants and retail offerings in Terminal 2, completing the first phase of a three part development plan. Local brands include many preferred by Bay Area travelers, such as Fentons Creamery, a 112-year-old ice cream parlor and Oakland landmark.

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"As an integral part of the community, the airport is poised to deliver Oakland's distinctive character and diversity," says Steve Grossman, Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland. "Together with the airport and the city, HMSHost has committed to bringing the most recognized local, national and regional brands to the airport. These new facilities deliver on that promise."

"We are very pleased to offer exceptional concepts that meet Oakland International Airport passengers' needs," said Pat Banducci, Vice President of Business Development for HMSHost. "The airport now has preferred dining options and boutique-style kiosks within a few feet of the gate areas and more are on the way."

HMSHost and its local partners completed the first phase of the airport's new concession program, developing and now managing these food and merchandise venues in Terminal 2:

    -- Bayfront News and Bayfront Books offers a vast collection of books,
       newspapers and magazines, including popular regional periodicals that
       Oakland area residents seek.
    -- California Pizza Kitchen ASAP's specialized selection at OAK includes
       its most popular hearth-baked pizzas and a "grab-n-go" case stocked
       with fresh salads and sandwiches.  The new breakfast menu features a
       Smoked Bacon and Italian Sausage Pizza with scrambled eggs, cheddar and
       mozzarella cheeses.
    -- Fentons Creamery is a time-honored staple in the city of Oakland. The
       popular creamery delivers generous portions of its signature ice cream
       made from fresh local ingredients.
    -- Gordon Biersch pours fresh, handcrafted beer to accompany a
       quick-casual menu of this brand's favorite offerings.
    -- Max's Eatz and Fresh Bakery serves upscale American comfort food at
       affordable prices. Their extensive menu has "everything you've always
       wanted to eat."
    -- Oakland Marketplace offers local and regional gourmet foods and gift
       items, including wines from Napa and Sonoma and cuisine from A.G.
       Ferrari & Sons.
    -- See's Candies, a California confectionary favorite for over 80 years,
       serving the finest chocolates.
    -- Starbucks Coffee and HMSHost have an exclusive partnership to provide
       customers with high-quality beverages, pastries and specialty
       sandwiches and salads.
    -- Sunglass Icon's on-site, certified sun fashion consultants custom fit
       the latest eyewear from designers such as Oakley, Gucci and Chanel.
    -- Under a Silver Moon sells gifts and charming essentials from local area
       venues such as the Oakland Zoo and Children's Fairyland.

Phases Two and Three

HMSHost will continue to revamp the Oakland International Airport offerings and will open additional local, regional and national brands later this year and in 2008. The brands include Everett & Jones Barbeque, Otaez Mexican Restaurant, Pyramid Ale House, Restaurant Peony and Vella's Locker Room, as well as national brands such as Chili's, Subway, Burger King and Quiznos Subs.

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 26,000 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 3.9 billion, Autogrill is present in 32 countries with more than 4,800 points of sale in more than 1050 locations (including 138 airports and 645 motorways) where 50,000 employees serve over 840 million customers every year.

Visit http://www.HMSHost.com for more information.