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How HMSHost works to get it right inside airports

This week’s edition of "A Deeper Dive" features Steve Johnson, CEO of the massive airport operator.

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It’s one thing to operate a restaurant in a busy location. It’s something entirely different in an airport.

This week’s edition of the Restaurant Business podcast “A Deeper Dive” features Steve Johnson, CEO of HMSHost, the massive operator of restaurants inside airports and travel centers. HMSHost operates restaurants in more than 80 travel centers and 120 airports and generates $3.5 billion in sales per year.

Steve Johnson/HMS Host

Steve Johnson/HMSHost

Johnson talks about how the company balances the needs of different airport consumers, from leisurely flyers to travelers hurrying to catch their next flight. He also talks about how the restaurants balance sudden rushes followed by lengthy lulls, along with labor needs and demands for technology—including a surprising addition to airport restaurants’ digital capabilities.

Please have a listen.

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