Uncategorized – 91ֱ��

91ֱ��, LLC Achieves Official LEED Certification Status

CINTL — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:22:15 +0000

CI’s Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social Become the First LEED Certified Retail Tenants at Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) Airport

ATLANTA/SEATTLE (Nov. 2, 2023)

SEA Airport’s Central Terminal dining and retail partners Salty’s at the SEA, a local favorite, and BrewTop Social, a 91ֱ�� LLC (CI) proprietary brand, have achieved the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. The locations are the first tenant project at SEA Airport to achieve LEED certification.

“During our 40+ year history, we have been committed to using sustainable practices as we build out our food and beverage locations, however, this is the first time we have officially submitted a LEED application for a project,” said Donata Russell Ross, CEO, 91ֱ�� (CI). “I’m so proud of the team’s hard work in ensuring our eligibility, and we celebrate our first with Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) Airport by being their first LEED certified retail tenants.”

Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social, managed by Seattle Food Partners, LLC (a partnership between Atlanta-based 91ֱ��, LLC (CI), , and Seattle-based Well-Buttered Bread, LLC) were created as part of the $21.8 million renovation of the Central Terminal to elevate the customer experience with more dining options, seating, charging stations, and ADA accessibility improvements.

“We always strive for cleaner construction – looking for better ways to construct and design so we don’t harshly impact the environment,” said Kathy Glynn, Director of Capital Projects for CI. “With Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social sharing the same footprint, we were able to maximize efficiencies in both spaces, creating two LEED certified restaurants. We want to not only build out successful and exciting concepts that customers enjoy, but we want to do so in a meaningful way that is also respectful of the environment — that’s additionally rewarding.”

In designing Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social, the team, led by CI worked to create a sustainable design that focused on a space that uses as little energy as possible through conservation and efficiency. Key features to reach LEED certification include:

Many of the finishes used are from sustainable sources.
All LED lighting to reduce the amount of mercury brought into the building.
Building materials were purchased with post and pre-consumer recycled content where possible.
A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system free of CFC-based refrigerants to reduce stratospheric ozone depletion.
A green cleaning policy to support good indoor air quality.
A dedicated waste diversion program to keep waste from landfills through recycling.

“We are grateful to CI for leading the LEED certification effort with their Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social restaurant locations,” said Khalia Moore, Senior Manager of Dining and Retail, SEA Airport. “SEA’s dining and retail program is proud to play a large role in supporting the Port of Seattle’s environmental goals. This is a first for the program and we commend CI for completion of this goal.”

About 91ֱ��, LLC

Built on a foundation of integrity, hard work, respect, and an unparalleled legacy of serving excellence, family-owned and operated 91ֱ��, LLC (CI) offers more than 40 years of exceptional experiences and proven food and beverage concessions performance in some of the busiest airport across the United States and in the Virgin Islands. As a dynamic food and beverage operator, we serve more than 30 national, regional and proprietary brands, including quick service, casual dining, bars, delis, snack, and cafe concessions at nearly 40 locations in 8 airports. Visit for more information about CI.

About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Operated by the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves the people of the Pacific Northwest with essential services, access to hundreds of domestic and global destinations, and economic activity that supports tens of thousands of jobs and produces $20 billion in economic activity. SEA is a top 12 U.S. airport that has earned the travel industry’s prestigious 4-Star Skytrax Airport Rating and designation as Best Airport in North America for the past two year, focused on customer-centered travel with better services, facilities, and amenities. SEA totaled 45.9 million passengers in 2022 – down just 11% from 2019 – with a forecast to reach pre-pandemic traveler volumes in 2024. For more information about our U.S. Top 12 airport,  and follow us on , , and . Every day. Elevate.

CINTL, LLC Led the Formation of SEA’s Food Partners to create the Company’s Largest Single Location

CINTL — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 14:14:06 +0000

SEATTLE/ATLANTA (April 13, 2023) – Seattle Food Partners (a partnership between Atlanta-based 91ֱ��, LLC (CI), , and Seattle-based Well-Buttered Bread, LLC, which is run by Kate Kingen, the daughter of the founders of the award-winning family of restaurants) has opened CI’s single largest airport dining location with the introduction of Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social in the Central Terminal at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The combined 11,647-square-foot concession (inclusive of storage) is located in the highest grossing airport location per square foot in any U.S. airport – SEA’s Central Terminal. These concepts are the largest CI has built of their 40 locations in the eight airports where they have a presence. CI’s relationship with SEA dates back to the early 1980’s as an ACDBE partner and grew to a multi-national prime concessionaire in the mid 1990s. Over the years, CI has operated various food and beverage concessions in several locations throughout the airport.

With the recent completion of the extensive renovation of SEA’s Central Terminal, guests have full access to an elevated dining experience at Salty’s at the SEA, a seafood and steak restaurant with a regional oyster bar and full-service cocktail and sports bar. Awarded for over 40 years for its Pacific Northwest coastal cuisine, regional wines and beers, Salty’s at the SEA was created as an oasis for travelers with exceptional views and warm hospitality. Located above Salty’s at the SEA is BrewTop Social, the country’s first beer and wine garden concept in a U.S. airport, provides a fun and relaxing environment, featuring 16 regional beer taps, and stunning, unobstructed views of the Central Terminal’s atrium and entertainment stage as well as the mountains and runway. Although both are separate concepts offering different dining experiences, they were developed and are managed and operated by Seattle Food Partners, ensuring consistent food and service quality.

Salty’s at the SEA and BrewTop Social are SEA’s Central Terminal’s marquee restaurants. With SEA’s creation of the new mezzanine level, Seattle Food Partners was able to place BrewTop Social above Salty’s, making the dining footprint in this flagship location twice as large. Designed aesthetically to evoke their local waterfront restaurants, Salty’s at the SEA offers an elevated dining experience in service and decor, while BrewTop Social offers a neighborhood wine and beer garden vibe for a more casual experience. Both locations provide direct access to some of the best views at the airport with the Central Terminal’s 350-foot wide, signature floor-to-ceiling window wall as a backdrop to both spaces. While dining and drinking, guests can enjoy sunrise to sunset scenic views of the Olympic Mountain range, watch planes take off and land just yards away, and pass time enjoying entertainment on the Central Terminal’s portable stage.

“It’s often said every project has a story, no matter how small or large, but the magnitude of the Salty’s/BrewTop Social project, married with the societal and economic challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, made for an extraordinary development and construction experience at SEA,” said Donata Russell Ross, CI’s president and CEO and majority partner with Seattle Food Partners. “It really did take a village to show up (nearly 80 people and more than 40 different companies) to keep the project on track, and it would have never been completed without the dedication, patience, persistence and teamwork exhibited by all involved. We knew it was a project we needed to accomplish, and we all had the common vision and navigated obstacles from day to day to see it to fruition.”

From being awarded the project in late 2018 to seeing it come to life with the grand opening of the remodeled Central Terminal at SEA in April of 2023, the project has a story to tell. Throughout the design and buildout phases, Seattle Food Partners and the airport had to overcome staffing issues related to COVID-19 restrictions including site closures and decontamination, supply chain challenges that also resulted in cost adjustments, permit office closures, and funding suspensions. In addition to all of these factors, the contents and structure had to meet all necessary fire and safety codes and standards, along with being built to meet seismic conditions in case of an earthquake.

“Collectively, CI has always been a really great partner, and with this project we were impressed with the locally inspired brand and concept they came to us with that not only celebrates Pacific Northwest cuisine and beer, but also gives our guests an exceptional and unique elevated casual dining experience,” said Khalia Moore, Senior Manager, Airport Dining and Retail, Port of Seattle. “It took a lot of energy, input, effort and dedication to the very end from everyone involved, and we couldn’t be prouder of the final result we are able to deliver for SEA and our traveling guests.”

If guests want to go to the airport to just dine, the program, one of the few airports in the country to allow non-traveler access, gives up to 100 non-traveling visitors per day a chance to enjoy the Central Terminal that is just past TSA’s security check.

FEATURES OF SALTY’S AT THE SEA

Offers extensive Pacific Northwest cuisine for breakfast, lunch/dinner, and has a kids menu
Offers a regional oyster and raw seafood bar with live oyster shucking and seafood towers
Offers a massive triangular quartzite bar with sports TVs that is a central hub of the space, featuring a sommelier designed menu of Pacific Northwest wines, beer, and cocktails (including a zero-proof section)
57-square-foot, 6K high-resolution digital display showing 30-minute waterfront videos from sunrise, sunset, to moonrise (known as the “The Window to Salty’s World-Famous Waterfronts”)
180-degree unobstructed views of the mountain range and the runway.
The patio against the window wall gives the illusion of being outdoors
Goal of delivering a 30-minute order-to-check closeout in the fast-paced airport environment
Access to numerous outlets and USB ports for charging devices
Smart seating, tall enough to allow roller bags to store easily under bar seats
LEED Certified, with large portions of the establishment built with locally sourced ashwood and lighting efficiencies inclusive of LED lights
Salty’s Grab-and-Go area offers fast favorites from the menus

“When we initially met with the CI team, we couldn’t believe how synergistic our companies were – from our shared values and vision, being family-owned, and having a fierce dedication to exceptional hospitality, and it didn’t hurt that we shared the same appreciation for quality Pacific Northwest cuisine,” said Kate Kingen. “As partners, they have been able to understand and embody in their team our motto: A happy guest is our success. We could not have asked for a better partner to dodge curveballs with and to bring to life our collective vision of delivering on Salty’s brand standards and providing one of the most elevated casual dining experiences in an airport that also has the most spectacular views.”

FEATURES OF LEED CERTIFIED BREWTOP SOCIAL

Offers a robust breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, kids menu and a simplified late-night fare menu
Elevated indoor beer and wine garden in a park like setting with trees
A brew hut houses the bar
Offers a sense of place that feels like a traditional beer garden, with overhead string lighting
16 beer taps, many selections locally sourced from the Pacific Northwest to bring local flavor
Offers a flight that pairs different appetizers with local and regional brews
Several of the cocktails at BrewTop Social incorporate the local and regional beer/cider offerings – examples include a “Beer’s Knees” cocktail using Alaskan Pilsner, an Amber Apple featuring Seattle Cider Co and an IPA Mojito with Black Raven Trickster IPA
Glass railing for clear sightlines from an elevated view of the terminal, stage and runway
eligible, allowing guests to save a percentage off of each check

Between Salty’s (137) and BrewTop Social (57), Seattle Food Partners has hired and trained nearly 200 area team members.

MEDIA: Photos of Salty’s can be found here, and BrewTop Social here. Photo Credit: Port of Seattle.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Betsy Helgager Hughes, BLH Consulting, Inc. for Seattle Food Partners 404-771-9793; betsy@blhconsulting.net

Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell” Documentary Premiers on ATL PBA

CINTL — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 22:26:00 +0000

Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary Premiers on ATL PBA During Black History Month, Featuring High Profile Interviews, Historic Footage and Inspirational Insights
“Herman Russell not only left his mark on the skyline of his home town; he helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.”

(ATLANTA) February 3 , 2020

‘Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell’, a documentary film about the inspiring life and legacy of Atlanta businessman and founder of one of the country’s largest black-owned commercial real estate development and construction firms, premiers on ATL PBA on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 9 p.m. and will re-air on February 23, 2020 at 7 p.m. The nearly hour-long film took more than a year to produce, featuring interviews with notable Atlantans who knew Herman J. Russell well. Here is a 60 second of the film.

“For our family, having our father’s and grandfather’s story told through the eyes and words of those who knew him best is a particularly impactful approach the filmmakers use,” said Herman J. Russell’s son, Michael B. Russell, CEO, H. J. Russell & Company. “As humble as he was, I think he would enjoy seeing what his friends had to say about him in addition to seeing his life story on television. He would hope this documentary will inspire people, particularly young people, to strive even harder to reach their personal potential against all odds, and that’s what we hope it does too.”

Herman J. Russell, the founder of Atlanta-based H. J. Russell & Company and 91ֱ��, LLC, is known for helping build the Atlanta skyline as we see it today as well as for shaping the airport dining experience for travelers throughout the country and the U. S. Virgin Islands since 1952 and 1979 respectively. However, his beginnings were humble. The Great Depression was a challenging time for most Americans, but particularly for a young African-American boy who was born in 1930 in the segregated South. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. Through watching his father run his own plastering business, and feeling the urgency and necessity to create jobs during the hard economic times, his entrepreneurial spirit was born and lasted throughout his life until his passing in 2014.

“Our family felt it was important to document the legacy of our family patriarch in film for generations to enjoy and be inspired by, as we were all of our lives,” said Herman J. Russell’s daughter, Donata Russell Ross, CEO, 91ֱ��, LLC. “We’ve always been proud of our father’s accomplishments, but to see his life illustrated so beautifully in this film is so rewarding for our entire family. We are grateful ATL PBA was supportive and interested in sharing his story with a larger audience.”

‘Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell’ documentary, is produced, written, edited and directed, in coordination with the Russell family, and for ATL PBA, by Emmy Award-winning father and son team, David and John Duke of Living Stories Film & Video. “John and I met Mr. Russell in his later years, when we interviewed him for our documentary on former City of Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen,” said Duke. “Of his many qualities, the one that stood out the most was his warmth. As we worked on Mr. Russell’s own story, we quickly saw that he built more than buildings: The relationships he formed with Atlanta’s white business community became lasting friendships. The trust and confidence he inspired enabled a new generation of Black entrepreneurs to move into the mainstream. Herman Russell not only left his mark on the skyline of his home town; he helped to make real the legacy of a city too busy to hate.”

In the documentary, the voices of Herman J. Russell’s proteges are heard, along with business partners who witnessed first-hand his challenges of the times. For example, Robert “Bob” Holder, Founder and Chairman of Holder Construction, expressed, “Herman and I were born within a month of each other, and within three miles of each other, but the two worlds could not have been more different. Everything I was born into was designed to make sure I succeeded; everything he was born into was designed to be sure he did not succeed. And Herman, in his lifetime, overcame all of that.”

As a lasting legacy to Herman J. Russell, the Russell family has created the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, designed to encourage and support generations of entrepreneurs, especially Black entrepreneurs, as he did throughout his life. “The documentary is the inspirational back story on which the Russell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE) is being created,” said Herman J. Russell’s son and namesake, H. Jerome Russell, Jr., Chairman of the Board, RCIE. “We want current and aspiring entrepreneurs to come to RCIE to reach their potential as entrepreneurs, and this film will help our members understand the legacy and foundation on which RCIE is built.”

Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell is airing exclusively on ATL PBA and will share it as part of its education outreach initiatives. “We are deeply honored to be the platform on which people in Atlanta and beyond will learn more about the man, Mr. Herman J. Russell, who truly helped inspire and shape not only Atlanta’s skyline, but also an integrated, partnering workforce,” said Wonya Lucas, President and CEO, Public Broadcasting Atlanta. “For those familiar with his legacy, and for those who are not, we encourage you to tune in to learn more about a person who defied many odds to achieve his dreams and inspired a city, a state and a country in many different ways.”

After the second airing on ATL PBA on February 23, the full documentary will be hosted on H. J. Russell & Company’s YouTube channel, and eventually on .

LIVING STORIES VIDEO & FILM

David Hughes Duke and John Duke of “Living Stories Video & Film” are Emmy Award-winning filmmakers and natives of Atlanta. Their other films include “Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.: A Different Road,” “The Wise Heart: The Story of Emory University,” “One Law for All: The Story of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society,” and “The Story of Hope and Will: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.” For more about Living Stories, visit .

PUBLIC BROADCASTING ATLANTA

Public Broadcasting Atlanta is a nonprofit organization comprised of the award-winning NPR radio affiliate WABE 90.1FM, Atlanta’s PBS station, ATL PBA, and the cultural events destination AtlantaPlanIt. PBA is a service of Atlanta Public Schools in partnership with Atlanta Educational Telecommunications Collaborative (AETC). We are dedicated to bringing Atlanta the very best news and entertainment programming, helping foster life-long learners and connecting our audience to their community as we celebrate the spirit of our great city together. Visit to learn more about ATL PBA.

H. J. RUSSELL & COMPANY

Founded in 1952, H. J. Russell & Company is one of the largest minority-owned construction services and real estate development firms in the United States. A multi-faceted organization providing integrated solutions and an exceptional customer experience, Russell has developed, designed/built, renovated, and managed some of the nation’s most complex, high profile projects involving multiple stakeholders and requiring exceptional diplomacy and skill, including the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the HHRM JV and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture with Clark Construction and Smoot Construction. Today, the company is at number 25 on the BE Top 100 list. Visit hjrussell.com to learn more about the firm.

CONCESSIONS INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Atlanta-based 91ֱ��, LLC, founded in 1979, is a dynamic food and beverage concessionaire with operations in eight airports. The company’s portfolio includes franchised, licensed and proprietary concepts, including casual dining, quick service, snack, deli and bar and grill. The company is a franchisee of major national brands including Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, Panda Express and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Visit for more information. Follow us on and .

MEDIA CONTACT

Betsy Helgager Hughes
BLH Consulting, Inc. for The Russell Family
betsy@blhconsulting.net; 404-771-9793

91ֱ�� Bringing Salty’s to Sea-Tac for Taste of the Region Event

CINTL — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:29:00 +0000

91ֱ�� (CI) announced today that its Sea-Tac location of Seattle’s favorite icon, Salty’s, will participate in the airport’s Taste of the Region event on Saturday, October 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature samplings from over 16 restaurants, craft beer and wine flights, chef demonstrations, and more. It will be open to both travelers and non-travelers.

91ֱ��, one of the nation’s largest minority-owned airport concessionaires, in partnership with Salty’s Kingen family, will open the dual-level concept as a joint venture with Well-Buttered Bread and Nicholas & Associates. Well-Buttered Bread is a local Seattle, woman-owned business, and Nicholas & Associates is a minority-owned Airport 91ֱ�� Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).

The Salty’s brand is authentic and historic to the Pacific Northwest, making it the ideal concept to anchor the central terminal of Sea-Tac. Beloved by locals and prime ministers alike for 40 years, guests have come to Salty’s restaurants for uncommonly warm service and award-winning menus that celebrate local fare, seasonal seafood, regional wines, and America’s best brunch. Salty’s at the SEA was created as an oasis for travelers where every seat has a “waterfront” view that transports guests to the iconic, local Salty’s restaurants for sunny beach days, spectacular sunsets, and twinkling skyline nights through a one-of-a-kind video wall filmed by local outdoor photographer Scott Kranz. Salty’s at the SEA offers travelers a shucking-good time at the oyster bar, sports bar, dining room, or sail-thru counter!

Complementing Salty’s at the SEA is BrewTop Social, a proprietary brand located directly above Salty’s on the second level. BrewTop Social will offer an open-air dining experience with craft brews and gastropub fare. Guests will enjoy an expansive rotating selection from local breweries on tap.

“It is an honor for 91ֱ�� to bring this world-famous restaurant to Sea-Tac International Airport,” said Donata Russell Ross, CEO of CI. “In preparation of our opening next year, we are participating in Sea-Tac’s Taste of the Region event to offer event-goers a sample of what’s to come from Salty’s airport location. We look forward to meeting our future guests and to the grand opening in the fall of 2020.”

During Taste of the Region, guests will be able to sample Salty’s Signature White Chocolate Mousse Cake with Raspberry Coulis. For Salty’s at the SEA opening next year, the menu will showcase Northwest Coastal cuisine, including freshly shucked local oysters from the chilled seafood bar, seasonal seafood, steaks, burgers and sandwiches, salads, desserts, and a breakfast menu of plated offerings from Salty’s famous brunch. Included will be Salty’s favorites, like Coconut Crusted Prawns, Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad, Seafood Cioppino, Fish n’ Chips, and Clam Chowder. Salty’s Sail-Thru counter will offer a fast, grab & go menu of favorite hot and cold items from Salty’s at the SEA, as well as freshly brewed local coffee and other local treats.

About 91ֱ��, LLC

About Crews and Nicholas & Associates

In 1972 when Robert Crews, founder of Crews of California (Crews), brought innovation and sophistication to the demanding airport market, he forever elevated the way airports accommodate the traveling public on the go. The Benjamin Company, former parent company to Crews, became America’s first nationally recognized airport bookstore chain that operated in 25 U.S. airports. Since 2009, the partnership between Crews and Nicholas & Associates has evolved this family partnership into an innovative food and beverage and retail company with 33 businesses in four major U.S. airports. For more information, please visit www.crews1972.com. Follow us on and .

About Salty’s

Salty’s Seafood Grills are the Pacific Northwest’s beloved waterfront restaurants. For nearly four decades Salty’s has proudly welcomed generations of locals and travelers celebrating vacations, engagements, business, or simply a sunny day on the water. Salty’s wins national and regional awards year after year, including Top 100 Most Scenic Restaurants and Top 100 Best Brunches in America by OpenTable and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Founded and owned by the local Kingen family, Salty’s is renowned for its spectacular views, menus celebrating seasonal seafood & local fare, and uncommonly warm service. We invite you to visit our three waterfront locations: Salty’s on Alki Beach in Seattle, WA, Salty’s on Redondo Beach in Des Moines, WA, and Salty’s on the Columbia River in Portland, OR. Visit for more information. Follow us on and .

PHOTOS:

MEDIA CONTACT Ellen Hartman (678) 399-3335 ellenhartman@hartmanpr.com

Freshens and 91ֱ��International Bring Healthy Dining to Denver International Airport

CINTL — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:10:00 +0000

Freshens and 91ֱ�� Bring Healthy Dining to Denver International Airport

Denver, CO — July 2, 2019

Freshens Fresh Food Studio will open a restaurant on July 2, 2019, at the Denver International Airport in Concourse A, Center Core. The extensive menu of crepes, smoothies and will fuel travelers’ days with flavors from around the world and will be available for dining on the go (no seating.)

The new location is a joint venture between 91ֱ�� (CI) and City Park Food & Beverage Services which is certified under the federal Airport 91ֱ�� Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program. City Park Food & Beverage Services is a Colorado-based wholesale supplier of food & beverages.

“91ֱ�� is excited to partner with Freshens and offer travelers delicious, healthy fare including DazBog Coffee, a local organic roaster,” said Donata Russell Ross, CEO. “We are also happy to partner for the first time with City Park Food & Beverage and to work with its talented team.” Freshens joins other 91ֱ�� concepts in the Denver Airport, including Chick-fil-A, Panda Express and Wetzel’s Pretzels.

For travelers seeking healthy and portable options, the menu offers 15 fresh-blended smoothies, including nine recipes that are vegan. Favorites are the Goin’ Green or Apple Kiwi Kale options blended with fresh kale. Other wellness blend smoothies are the Peanut Butter Protein or Vegan Power Up with added plant protein. All recipes are gluten free and 100 percent clean containing no colors from artificial sources, no artificial preservatives, no artificial sweeteners and no artificial flavors.

Guests can also choose from one of the six hand-tossed salads or create their own. This option allows for added fruits, veggies and protein all served in a signature crispy crepe shell.

About Freshens

Freshens is a privately held company headquartered in Atlanta. They have been in operation for over 33 years with 400+ locations, including 28 airports and 300 college and universities. All restaurants maintain a zero royalty fee structure with competitive food costs and high labor efficiency for fast service. By adapting to industry trends and ever-changing customer needs, Freshëns is poised for continued growth. For more information, go to , ; or or .

About 91ֱ��, LLC

Atlanta-based 91ֱ��, LLC, founded in 1979, is a dynamic food and beverage concessionaire with operations in eight airports. The company’s portfolio includes franchised, licensed and proprietary concepts, including casual dining, quick service, snack, deli and bar and grill. The company is a franchisee of major national brands including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Fresh To Order and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Visit www.cintl.com for more information. Follow us on Facebook at , and .

91ֱ�� and Shake Shack Host Grand Opening For Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Location

CINTL — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 01:42:00 +0000

91ֱ�� and Shake Shack Host Grand Opening For Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Location

New location to serve Shack Breakfast

NEW YORK, NY—January 14, 2019

91ֱ�� (CI) and Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) are excited to announce the grand opening of Shake Shack at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s (DFW) Terminal C near Gate C7. Shake Shack is operated by 91ֱ�� (CI) in partnership with Southwest Minority Financial Group (SMFG) and H&H; Hospitality. The restaurant will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and serve Shake Shack classics as well as the Shake Shack breakfast menu.

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100 percent all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever), frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, and more. The DFW Airport menu will also feature Shake Shack’s signature breakfast sandwiches: Sausage, Egg N’ Cheese; Bacon, Egg N’ Cheese and Egg N’ Cheese. All three sandwiches consist of griddled-fresh cage-free eggs, served with American cheese on a toasted potato bun. The sausage breakfast sandwich is topped with all-natural Shack pork sausage and the bacon sandwich is topped with all-natural Applewood smoked bacon.

Along with the breakfast sandwiches, a selection of coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters is being served. Get a wake-up call with Shack drip coffee, brewed with an exclusive Stumptown Shack blend, or cool down with a Stumptown Cold Brew. Shake Shack’s classic menu is also available.

“We’re excited to kick off 2019 with the opening of our DFW Shack at one of the busiest airports in the world,” said Michael Kark, Shake Shack’s Vice President of Global Licensing. “We’re continually humbled by the support our Texas fans have shown us and we look forward to deepening that connection with the opening of the DFW Shack, whether we are welcoming you home or sending you on your way.”

“DFW is proud to be the first airport in Texas to offer Shake Shack to customers, providing another world-famous brand in our busiest terminal, Terminal C.” said Zenola Campbell, Vice President of 91ֱ�� for DFW Airport. “We continually look for partners who understand what it means to provide a unique customer experience, and Shake Shack is a great fit for DFW and our nearly 70 million customers.”

“Shake Shack is beloved by not just Americans but burger fans around the world,” says Donata Russell Ross, CEO of 91ֱ��. “We are delighted to continue Concession International’s growth in the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as Shake Shack joins our other DFW ventures, including Drew Pearson Sports 88, Genghis Grill and Einstein Bagels.”

Shake Shack opened its first Dallas location, Uptown, in 2016 and locations in Plano and Preston Royal in 2017. Just before the DFW Airport Shack opening, Shake Shack opened additional locations in Southlake and Las Colinas.

About Shake Shack

Shake Shack is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever), spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine and more. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand for Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 200 locations in 26 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.

About 91ֱ��, LLC

Atlanta-based 91ֱ��, LLC, founded in 1979, is a dynamic food and beverage concessionaire with operations in eight airports. The company’s portfolio includes franchised, licensed and proprietary concepts, including casual dining, quick service, snack, deli and bar and grill. The company is a franchisee of major national brands including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Fresh To Order and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Visit www.cintl.com for more information. Follow us on Facebook at , and .

About Southwest Minority Financial Group, Inc.

Southwest Minority Financial Group Inc. (dba Dickey’s BBQ DFW) operates quick service restaurant locations in Terminals C and E “satellite” of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Our company has been a leader in airport concessions since acquiring the Dickey’s Barbecue franchises in 2006. SMFG was chosen as one of DFW Airport’s “Best Eateries.” SMFG Inc. owns and operates its own commissary in Grand Prairie, Texas which supports its airport locations. Our commissary gives us the flexibility to accommodate any restaurant or catering need. The management team of SMFG Inc. has an extensive background in food preparation, food service and business management. Due to the company’s vast airport experience, strong managerial and financial leadership Southwest Minority Financial Group Inc. has become a highly respected and highly sought after ACBDE certified joint venture candidate.

About H&H; Hospitality, Inc.

H&H; Hospitality is an Atlanta-based airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE). Founded in 2008 by Hampton University graduates Kevin Holt and Randy Hazelton, H&H; Hospitality has grown from its inception into a full-service, multi-brand, multi-unit comprehensive restaurant company. It manages and operates multiple food and beverage locations and is highly recognized within the airport restaurant industry.

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Shake Shack at Hartsfield-Jackson sparked by drive down Peachtree Road

CINTL — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 19:46:24 +0000

Four years ago, Randy Hazelton was driving south on Peachtree Road when he spotted a line of people around the block.

The first in Georgia had just
opened at Buckhead Atlanta, and the cult favorite burger chain from New York was nearing peak popularity.

Hazelton, who runs a small airport concessions business, decided to walk in to the Shake Shack to learn more.

“I didn’t know much about it at the time, but I knew enough to pull my car over and see what the hoopla is about,” Hazelton said. “I went home and started
doing some research.”

Hazelton and his business partner Kevin Holt started calling Shack Shack managers around the country to get a contact at the company’s corporate headquarters.

“You got a couple of brothers in Atlanta talking about a startup called saying, ‘We can do this too,’” Hazelton said.

By 2015, Hazelton and Holt’s H&H Hospitality were .

By 2016, Atlanta-based H&H Hospitality in partnership with Atlanta-based 91ֱ�� had won the contract for a location on Concourse
A.

Then came a flurry of controversy , and some airport contracts were put on hold.

Shake Shack’s corporate management has been “very patient” over the last four years, Hazelton said. Eventually, the contract moved forward.

The airport Shake Shack .

At an event at the new location on Concourse A on Monday, 91ֱ�� CEO Donata Russell Ross acknowledged “it was a long time coming.”

Now, the Shake Shack is one of the variety of burger choices at the airport, along with a , Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Five Guys, The Varsity, Boardwalk Fresh
Burgers & Fries, McDonald’s and Burger King.

Bobby Flay appears at his new restaurant at Hartsfield-Jackson

CINTL — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay debuted his first airport restaurant this month, with the opening of at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Flay’s burger chain has 17 locations, but this is the first one in Atlanta and the first one at an airport.

The airport eatery, ,
has menu items like a pistachio shake, green chili cheeseburger, a Crunchburger with potato chips, and an ATL burger with pimento cheese and fried
pickles that’s exclusive to this location.

“In some ways, it’s sort of a tour around America, on a burger,” Flay said. “Airport food has come a long way…. I was really skeptical earlier in my
career about opening a restaurant at an airport. But things have really changed.”

Still, operating a restaurant at an airport is intense.

“There’s no meal period,” Flay said, while a street location has a lunch rush and dinner rush. At an airport, “it’s basically just, always.”

And the airport location — unlike street locations of Flay’s burger chain — serves breakfast including a jalapeno egg sandwich with bacon and queso,
and is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

But, “If there’s a storm that rolls through here, which happens often, we could be open until 2 o’clock in the morning, feeding people and making them
cocktails,” Flay said.

Flay’s restaurant takes the place of another celebrity chef’s burger joint, ,
who ended up in a .

The Hartsfield-Jackson location of Bobby’s Burger Palace is operated by Atlanta-based airport concessionaire 91ֱ��, which has a licensing
deal for the restaurant as part of a joint venture between 91ֱ�� and H&H Hospitality.

The idea for the Hartsfield-Jackson location started when 91ֱ��’s operating partner Charles Bluemle visited Flay’s restaurant Gato
while he was in New York City for a James Beard Foundation event last year, and met Flay and his business partner there.

“I just like them,” Flay said. “They talked about food first, as opposed to business first.”

Bluemle said he was interested in the idea of craft burgers and the “nostalgia behind traveling” and finding something that can’t be found elsewhere.

Flay’s restaurant joins other burger purveyors at the world’s busiest airport, including Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Shake Shack, Five Guys, The Varsity,
Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries, Burger King and McDonald’s.

It’s yet to be seen whether Flay will open more airport locations. “I’m going to see how this one goes,” he said.

CINTL & H&H Hospitality Bring Shake Shack to Hartsfield International Airport

CINTL — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 17:29:10 +0000

91ֱ�� in Partnership with H&H Hospitality Bring Shake Shack to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

        September 2018
        91ֱ�� (CI) and Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) are excited to announce the opening of Shake Shack on Sept. 25, in 
            Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Concourse A near Gate 28.  The long-awaited Shake Shack is
            a joint venture between CI and H&H Hospitality, an Atlanta Airport 91ֱ�� Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).


        Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no hormones or antibiotics - ever), frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world. Shake Shack opened its first Atlanta location
            in Buckhead in 2014 and its second location in Perimeter Mall in 2016.


        “Shake Shack couldn’t be more excited to touch down in the world’s busiest airport,” said Michael Kark, Shake Shack’s Vice President of Global Licensing. “This marks an important step in our travel venue growth,
            and we’re delighted to bring together even more passengers from around the globe for a ShackBurger.”


        A grand opening is planned for October and will include a ribbon cutting ceremony with CI’s CEO Donata Russell Ross, Randy Hazelton, CEO of H&H Hospitality and city of Atlanta and airport officials.
            Travelers will be able to enjoy delicious Shake Shack samples, live music, and giveaways.


        “The Shake Shack brand is world famous and a great addition to serve the global travelers coming through Hartsfield-Jackson,” says Donata Russell Ross, CI’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We look forward to working with the entire
            Shake Shack team as we open this new location in Atlanta.”
        According to Randy Hazelton, CEO of H&H Hospitality, “COO, Kevin Holt and I are absolutely thrilled to bring a best-in-class brand to a best-in-class airport.” 

        About Shake Shack
        Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever), spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine and more. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand for Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 180 locations in 25 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more 
            than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.
        About H&H Hospitality, Inc.
        H&H Hospitality is an Atlanta-based airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE). Founded in 2008 by Hampton University graduates Kevin Holt and Randy Hazelton, H&H Hospitality has grown from its inception into a full-service, multi-brand, multi-unit comprehensive restaurant company.  It manages and operates multiple food and beverage locations
            and is highly recognized within the airport restaurant industry

        About 91ֱ��, LLC
        Atlanta-based 91ֱ��, LLC, founded in 1979, is a dynamic food and beverage concessionaire with operations in eight airports. The company's portfolio includes franchised, licensed and proprietary concepts, including casual dining, quick service, snack, deli and bar and grill. The company is a franchisee of major national brands including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Fresh To Order and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Visit www.cintl.com for more information. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/airportconcessions, Twitter @91ֱ��Intl and Instagram @airportconcessionsintl.

The Struggle and Payoff of Setting Up Shop in an Airport

CINTL — Thu, 17 May 2018 11:32:27 +0000

Before you open a business at the airport, consider whether a 30-minute commute from the parking lot
to your storefront works for you.

Also consider whether you are willing to let predicaments like a flock of birds crashing into the nose of a jetliner determine the day’s sales tally. And maybe most important, if you’re allergic to bureaucracy, consider becoming a skycap instead of opening a boutique or restaurant.

“Getting into the airport can be pretty difficult,” said Ramon Lo, publisher of , an industry magazine. “You can’t just come in off the street and say, ‘Hey, I want to try my hand at selling in the airport. Let’s do it.’ You have to go through a lot of layers. Airports are quasi-governmental.”

Regardless, they are becoming magnets for small businesses willing to crack a complicated set of codes. The benefits are obvious, according to entrepreneurs like Keith Montoya, a partner in , an offshoot of a popular Denver hot dog spot that recently opened at , the nation’s sixth-busiest airport (in 2016, 58 million passengers flew in and out of Denver).

“There’s money out there, which is why I did it, to be quite honest,” Mr. Montoya said. “You have hundreds of thousands of people walking by, and if a flight is delayed you’ve got a pretty captive audience. And the return is quick.”

For Mr. Montoya and almost everyone else whose brand lacks the national prominence of a or a
, though, getting to those quick returns requires patience — and research.

Mr. Montoya navigated his way into the airport partly through
; he is Mexican-American, and the part of the program he zeroed in on, known as A.C.D.B.E., helps minorities and women enter the aviation industry. He was also helped by a program introduced by Denver International in 2011 to help small businesses get a foothold.