Hmshost Debuts Z Market At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

BETHESDA, Md. –– With more than 50 guests, music and fantastic “Gourmet to Go” food, the first airport Z Market opened today at DFW International Airport. Today’s traveler wants a variety of fresh, fast, healthy food and beverage choices quickly. HMSHost, a world leader in travel shopping and dining will capture the imagination of travelers with the convenience of finding such fare along with travel essentials including health and beauty items, cell phone accessories, film, batteries and memory cards, all set in an appealing atmosphere. 

The new Terminal B concession is part of a retail contract awarded to HMSHost and joint venture partner, Howell-Mickens, LLC. Z Market represents the perfect combination of convenience store and upscale deli –– variety in a quick-serve environment. Chef Tim Love brings his uniquely delicious “Gourmet to Go” menu to Z Market at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in an exciting agreement between HMSHost and Love Style, Inc. 

DFW sets high standards for our terminals and our passengers have high expectations for their airport experience,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. “We also know the number one goal of each passenger is to transition to somewhere else as quickly as possible. So we think Z Market and “Gourmet to Go” will be well-received by our hectic and hungry travelers." 

As the foremost pioneer of urban Western cuisine, Chef Love wears a cowboy hat in place of a toque, appoints nachos with kangaroo carpaccio, and marries foie gras with chiles at his signature Fort Worth restaurant, Lonesome Dove. He has won numerous awards for his culinary expertise, including the Food Network’s Iron Chef competition. Now, thanks to a unique partnership with HMSHost, travelers will be able to enjoy some of the culinary creations that have made Chef Love so famous. 

A delightful addition to the Z Market menu, Chef Love’s “Gourmet to Go” selections are sure to satisfy every appetite with their fresh, quality ingredients, including delicious pre-packaged sandwiches and salads, boxed meal combinations, delicious snacks, heat-and-eat one-dish meals – even fresh sushi! Featuring exclusive packaging and signage specially developed by HMSHost, the variety of food-to-go is sure to please even the most discerning taste buds. And, to keep things fresh and interesting for DFW travelers, the menu will vary based on seasonal favorites and new creations by Chef Love. 

“Z Market is ‘the convenient convenience store’ with a difference,” said Joan Ryzner, senior vice president, HMSHost Retail. “Partnering with a local celebrity chef for upscale “Gourmet to Go” selections adds enormous appeal. We are pleased to introduce Z Market to U.S. airports, starting with DFW. This evolutionary retail experience is a new vision for travel shopping and is sure to exceed our guests’ expectations for quality, variety and service.” 

Z Market is designed specifically to accommodate travelers with luggage in tow. Wider aisles, warm stone tiles and finishes combine with cheerful, contemporary colors to produce a setting that is inviting and cozy. Self-service stations are set in a design that appears curved, making it quick and easy for customers to move from one spot to another as they help themselves to coffee and pastries, fresh grilled items, fountain beverages, and more. 

Ryzner added, ”With Chef Tim Love at the helm of Z Market’s “Gourmet to Go”, travelers will find true Texan flavored meals and snack options, offering the opportunity to take ‘a taste of Texas’ on board your next flight.” 

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating shopping and dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.6 billion and employs more than 33,000 sales associates worldwide. A part of Autogrill S.p.A, HMSHost and the rest of the Autogrill Group are recognized leaders in travel restaurants and retail. With sales exceeding €4.8 billion, Autogrill is present in 42 countries with more than 5,300 points of sale in more than 1,200 locations (including 216 airports and 704 motorways) where 68,000 employees serve over 890 million customers every year. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information.