FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2009

From:

Houston Airport Systemand SSP America

Contacts:

HAS CommunicationsDarleen NascimentoMedia LineSSP America(281) 233-1234(703) 723-5418(281) 233-1702(703) 462-4699 (c)darleen.nascimento@foodtravelexperts.com

HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEMAND SSP AMERICAGRAND OPENING VIP EVENT TO SHOWCASELE GRAND COMPTOIR AND REAL FOOD COMPANY

Le Grand Comptoir and Real Food Company mark the first locations in a North American Airport

HOUSTON, TX.(December 16, 2009)

TheHouston Airport Systemand SSPAmerica, a division of SSP;the leading dedicatedoperatorof food and beverage brands worldwide, celebrated theopening of LeGrand Comptoir and Real Food Companyin a VIP Event.The arrival of these two unique restaurantstoGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport(IAH)marks the first locations in North America.BushIntercontinental Airport isnow celebrating its 40th Anniversary. IAHis the 8thbusiest airport in thenation. In 2006, it was named thefastest growing of the top ten airports in theUnited States.“Houston is a global city with connections to 170destinations worldwide,” said Eric Potts, interim director of aviation for Houston.‘George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the perfect partner for new restaurantconcepts like Real Food Company and Le Grand Comptoir because of our accessibility, location and highpassenger traffic.”

Le Grand Comptoir

is anauthentic French brasserieand with over 80 styles of wineavailable by theglass;it is trulyunlike any otherairportwine bar. Fresh, upscale and contemporary, its rich woodfinishesarebalancedbyvibrant green hues,stoneworkaccents,posh leather stoolsanda long,elegant brass bar dressed with modern pendant lighting.Uniquely positioned windows provide travelers the opportunity topeer into the sleek wine room from the bustling concourse.A charmingladder rolls gracefully across adiverse range of wines, drawn from an inventory of over a thousand bottles.Itsbistro-inspired fareincludessignature crab bakesandtemptingstrawberry crepes, transforming a layover from tedious to

delicious.Rather than excluding those who do not find happiness in a glass of wine, Le Grand Comptoir also offers a premium bar,selection of handcrafted beers, and range of specialty coffees.Le GrandComptoirbringsacosmopolitanvibeandtastefulsophisticated environment toHoustontravelers.Providing eightseparate and distinctlydifferent menusatonce, an active open kitchenand a dedicatedheadchef,

Real Food Company

definitely epitomizesits name—‘real food’.This vast 6,200 sq. ft.modernmarché-stylerestaurantenticestravelers with beautiful displays of fresh ingredients and thefragranceof its bakery. Theater-style cooking is complemented with artistic flourish amongst theconstantly evolving menus. It is an extravagant affair.Real eggs, fresh artisan bread and passionatechefsare all to be expected at Real Food Company.A wall ofglass is the only barrier between theconsumer and endless arrays ofgourmet salads featuring baby field greens, grilled chicken, toastedalmonds,fresh mushroomsand green onionstossed with balsamic vinaigrettedressing. A delicatessendisplay featuresmade-to-ordersandwichessuch as itssignaturecranberry mustardon sourdough breadfilled generously with roastturkey and aged Swiss.Traditional and innovative toppings are available onthe oven-baked pizzas.Texasbarbeque brisketand juicy roasted chicken with choice sides of ginger glazed baby carrots andsouthern-style creamedcorn are also on the menu.For adivine finish to anymeal,jars of Dream Bar Bites made of graham cracker crust, shaved coconut, butterscotch and chocolatechipsare available as you approach one of the numerous POS stations.The dining room’scalming décor of warm oranges and natural woodsisthe perfect contrast to the drama of the bustling kitchen.“We applaud our partners who launch their new concepts with great products, excellent customer serviceand a memorable customer experience,” said Robert Wigington,deputy director formarketing,communications and community affairs.Le Grand Comptoir and Real Food Company are located in Terminal C and join SSP’s internationalbakery concepts Upper Crust and Panopolis.

AboutHoustonAirportSystem

The Houston Airport System (HAS) served more than 50 million passengers in 2008, ranking as the 4thlargest multi-airport system in theU.S.and the 6th largest airport in the world.Houston's three airportscontribute more than $24 billion to the regional economy and are responsible for the employment of 151,000 people. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), now celebrating its 40th Anniversary, is the8th busiest airport in the nation. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) together have served theTexasGulfCoastregion for more than 150 years. For more information, visitfly2houston.com.

About SSP

SSP, the Food Travel Experts, is the leading dedicated operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, with operations in more than 130 airports and 300 rail stations in 31 countries. Itsunparalleled portfolio of international, national, local, specialty and new breakthrough food and beveragebrands includes its own national and international brands. Among these are Starbucks, Caffè Ritazza,