SSP America

While her official title is Cook, SSP America food travel expert Katherine Guarado wears many more hats than a chef’s cap. She's a translator, an unofficial ambassador, an advocate, and a trusted leader. Too often, back-of-house staff go unnoticed. Katherine is an exception to the rule––you can’t help but take note of her outgoing personality and the fact that she goes beyond the call of duty day after day. Recently, Katherine leaped into action when a team member started to choke. As her coworker turned blue Katherine performed the Heimlich Maneuver, likely saving his life. Katherine also routinely helps new coworkers navigate the confusing airport security process, ensuring they have everything in place to get on the job. “Katherine is a true team player that will help everyone on the team win,” said Amos Campbell, SSP America’s Director of Operations at San Francisco International Airport.

The SSP America team had an informative and enjoyable time at the Florida Airports Council’s 55th Anniversary Conference & Exposition. A great deal of preparation and work goes into these crucial industry events and it’s important to also have some fun with colleagues! That’s one reason SSP America hosted a Sip & Paint event during the conference. Here’s a group of attendees, including SSP America's own Senior Director of Business Development Jennifer Juul, MBA, PMP, working on their masterpieces!

Food travel expert Terryl Taylor is a vital part of the SSP America team at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. He has a can-do attitude and always wants to help in all aspects of the operation. He’ll help in the warehouse, storeroom, tarmac, kitchen, and anywhere else where work needs to be done. He even travels to other airports to help flip them to SSP America brands, which is physically intensive and exhausting. He does it all with a smile on his face and a kind word for his coworkers. That may be one reason why Terryl is constantly selected by his teammates for SSP America PASSION Awards. He truly lives the SSP America PASSION Principles every day. “Terryl is just good people. He is always positive, smiling, and polite. As an employee, he is punctual and optimistic and is always improving the morale of the team. I have done 20+ openings with Terryl and will always have him on my team,” said Tim Wilmes, SSP America Director, Operations Excellence. “Anytime Terryl is asked to do something, no matter the challenge, he never complains he just finds a way to make it fun. Terryl is one of the team members we can count on to always find the positive,” added Cecil Dulaney , SSP America Director of Operations, IAH

What an honor for our SSP America locations at Boston Logan International Airport—Boston Harbor Distillery, Sal's Pizza, and Pete’s at Night—to be mentioned on Meet Boston during their feature on BOS’ new Terminal E! We agree that “WOW!” sums up the new Terminal and that Rhonda Kallman is indeed one of the coolest women around! SSP America is proud to work with innovators like Kallman.

It was an amazing few days at the 39th Annual Airport Minority Advisory Council’s (AMAC) Airport Business Diversity Conference. This year, SSP America CEO Michael Svagdis spoke during the Concessions Workshop on Industry Leaders and the Pros of Supplier Diversity, and Vice President of Business Development Dawn Hunter Christy spoke during the AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation Breakfast. SSP America was honored by the turnout for our annual SSPLIVE event and we’re proud to work with AMAC to support the next generation of culinary experts through programs like Project Lift and the AMAC Foundation Scholarship. SSP America team members mentor eighth-grade and high school students through Project Lift, which provides networking opportunities with professional mentors in the aviation and aerospace industries. SSP America Joint Venture Partner Shonda Scott of 360 Total Concept works on the annual golf fundraiser for the AMAC Foundation Scholarship, which exposes historically underrepresented men and women to careers in aviation. Thanks to the entire AMAC team for another great conference and for all the work you do throughout the year!

Whether it’s supporting DECA programs, meeting with students through community groups, or scholarship fundraisers, SSP America is dedicated to assisting the next generation of culinary leaders. One way we accomplish this goal is through the SSP America Culinary Arts Endowment at Maricopa Community Colleges. Recently, their scholarship team let us know that our “investment in providing equal educational opportunities for all students is extremely valuable, and we thank you for your continued support.” While we appreciate the thanks, we’re grateful to schools like Maricopa Community Colleges for educating future food travel experts. We’re honored to be a small part of the path these students take toward achieving their dreams. It’s one way we live up to the SSP America PASSION Principle of Service From The Heart.

Earlier this week, our team at the White Sox Bar & Grill at Chicago Midway International Airport got into the Lollapalooza spirit with Red Bull. The DJ was spinning, and the Red Bull was flowing! Thanks, Red Bull, for partnering with us and thanks to our amazing team at White Sox Bar & Grill for the outstanding work you do every day!

On this International Beer Day we’d like to call attention to one of our favorite pubs, the award-winning Oakland Draft House at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. Oakland Draft House’s beer program is a partnership with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a brewer we’re proud to work with. While it’s known for its beer, the draft house serves up more than brews. Passengers can get a meal, a friendly face, and a break from the flurry of travel activity. Whether they’re starting or ending their journey at OAK, or simply passing through, our food travel experts are there to make their day a little brighter. Thanks, OAK team! "We like to keep up with the latest trends in craft beer and try to appeal to many different pallets. Whether it’s a Stout, Pilsner, Hazy IPA, Lager you name it, we try to keep the rotation fresh, local and most importantly cold and refreshing," said Regional Vice President of Operations Ed Hartless.

Earlier this week, SSP America said goodbye to one of our longest-serving employees, Tax Coordinator and AP Accountant Bonita Parrack. Bonita started as an AP accountant and, because of her hard work and skill, became responsible for all SSP America and SSP Canada filings. The Accounting Team is forever grateful for the knowledge and mentorship she shared with Will Moore, Rose Asimeng Awuah, CPA, FCCA, Stephanie Tarner, Darisabel Hernandez, HARI SHARMA, Cielo S., Angila Shrestha, CPA, CA, MBS, and more. She has been a delightful coworker and friend to many at the Support Center and we wish her a retirement filled with endless fun and adventure! “As Bonita marches toward retirement, she can do so with her head high. She was instrumental in setting up processes for Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and the Tax Department. Her legacy will live on for a long time,” said Chief Financial Officer George Mboya, MBA, CPA, CMA. “If it weren’t for Bonita taking me under her wing when I was brand new, I don’t know if I would be in the position I am in today. I not only appreciate every bit of knowledge she’s transferred to me, I also appreciate her as a colleague and the time she’s invested in SSP America,” said Shared Services Senior Accounting Manager Darisabel Hernandez. “Bonita has made a lasting impact on the SSP America tax family and the entire company. Her hard work, dedication, and achievements are admirable and will remain in the tax team as a recipe for excellence,” said Tax Manager Hari Sharma. Bonita, we will miss you!

SSP America is delighted to announce that all eight of our restaurants at Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority have been recognized as members of the Green Dining Nevada network, a statewide initiative for sustainable dining. We couldn’t be prouder of Liberty Toast, Reno Draft House, Tap & Pour, Wild Garlic, Timber Ridge, and our three Peet's Coffee locations for their robust commitment to minimizing food waste, reducing single-use disposable pollution, and exploring innovative sustainability solutions in the dining sector. SSP America Director of Operations Will Cooke said, “At SSP America we are passionate about sustainability, environmental protection, and social responsibility. This passion is embedded into our strategic priorities as we do our part to build a sustainable future. Most of our staff and team desire to reduce waste and take on more sustainable practices. With the volume of people that go through the airport in any given day, this program has an impactful waste reduction potential.” "The RTAA is pleased to support SSP America in the Green Dining Nevada initiative as it perfectly aligns with our ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability. As we continue to experience growth in travel, it is crucial that the airport as a whole focuses on improving its environmental impact and we are proud of SSP America’s commitment to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices here at RNO,” said Environmental Program Manager for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Todd Welty.