SSP America, a division of restaurateur SSP Group, has been awarded a new 10-year lease on its food and beverage contract at Dane County Regional Airport in Wisconsin, USA. The contract will run until 2026.
SSP America’s plans for the new lease include a complete rebuild of operations including the expansion of popular family-owned grocery store Metcalfe’s Local to Go; the introduction of a new Vintage Wine & Tapas bar; the addition of local favorite Ancora Artisan Coffee & Tea, which will showcase live piano performances; and the debut of SSP concept Mad Town Gastropub. The new offerings are scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Renowned local chef Tory Miller said, “I’m really excited to incorporate local food into the dining scene at the airport. Our airport is growing a lot, and it’ll be great to be able to showcase some of the talented producers Madison has.”
Joe Parisi, chief executive of Dane County Airport, said, “Dane County has a world-class airport and this addition will make it a destination. Tory Miller is a nationally recognized chef and we are thrilled to have his talents at the airport.”
SSP’s extended lease follows its 2013 investment in the airport, which strengthened its commitment to Madison-based businesses by expanding locally owned Ancora Coffee and introducing local favorite Metcalfe’s.
Michael Svagdis, CEO of SSP America, said, “SSP America takes great pride in building enduring business partnerships. From our local brand partners to our airport and airport community partners, we believe that good partnerships equal good business. Our goal as we begin our new lease at the airport is to continue on its path of ever-increasing expansion while keeping jobs and food local.”
Tom Walzer, owner of Ancora Artisan Coffee & Tea, said, “We are proud to continue to build on our long-term partnership with SSP. Ancora’s artisan coffees and teas are a Madison favorite for the past 23 years and now will be served in a beautiful new artisan destination within our world class airport.”