SOF Connect, the operator of Sofia Airport, has signed a contract for its food and beverage area with SSP, a British operator of such outlets in travel locations worldwide.
"Among the top global brands that will be present at Sofia Airport are Starbucks, Burger King, and TGI Fridays, as well as well-established and internationally recognized SSP brands such as Levito - Pizza Pasta, Negroni, Camden Food Co., Ta.Sh.Ba, Upper Crust, Soul & Grain, Dao Dao - Asian Cuisine, and bespoke concepts - Meshana - Taste of Bulgaria and Bar 09-27," Sofia Airport announced in a press release.
SOF Connect, which is part of the Paris-based Meridiam fund, took over the management of the capital city's airport in 2021 for a period of 35 years and Terminal 2 is currently undergoing reconstruction. The food court is part of the upcoming changes. Passengers will enter it upon walking into the security zone of the airport.
The main food court will have five restaurants with different concepts, all managed by a single company. One of the restaurants is intended for people with time for lunch and the other four will offer various dining concepts. Last summer it emerged that there were five bids for the restaurants: three from international companies operating at airports and two from local players. The contract was expected to be awarded shortly after that.
'Important new market'
The project foresees the development of a modern food court area in line with the best international practices and industry standards, Sofia Airport said. The central area of the food court will be designated for a spacious common seating area as well as outdoor terrace that will offer a variety of seating types. The project will be implemented in several phases, starting with the first two outlets-Starbucks and Camden Food Co.-which are expected to open in early 2025.
"Our strong and innovative range of bespoke, local, and international brands and cutting-edge design, as well as our understanding of the needs of international and local passengers, will enable us to create an environment that captures the true spirit of hospitality and heritage that is so much a part of Bulgarian culture. These magnificent bars, restaurants and cafes will cement our reputation in this important new market," said George Antoniou, managing director of SSP Eastern Europe and Middle East, in the press release.
About SSP
London-based SSP is a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide. The company operates in 37 countries, with over 600 locations and around 43,000 employees. Its turnover for 2023 exceeded 3 billion pounds.
The company manages fast-food restaurants, cafes, lounges and grocery stores, primarily at airports and train stations, with a portfolio of more than 550 international, national, and local brands. SSP has its own brands, such as Urban Crave, which introduced the first "street food" concept at U.S. airports, and Nippon Ramen, a noodle and dumpling concept in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as franchise brands like M&S Simply Foods, Starbucks and Burger King. The contract with SOF Connect is SSP's first in Bulgaria.
SOF Connect, the operator of Sofia Airport, has signed a contract for its food and beverage area with SSP, a British operator of such outlets in travel locations worldwide.
"Among the top global brands that will be present at Sofia Airport are Starbucks, Burger King, and TGI Fridays, as well as well-established and internationally recognized SSP brands such as Levito - Pizza Pasta, Negroni, Camden Food Co., Ta.Sh.Ba, Upper Crust, Soul & Grain, Dao Dao - Asian Cuisine, and bespoke concepts - Meshana - Taste of Bulgaria and Bar 09-27," Sofia Airport announced in a press release.
