SSP America

For more than 20 years, Mitratech DiversityJobs powered by Circa has been transforming business teams by connecting talent with companies that will value their contributions. DiversityJobs helps job seekers vet a company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and helps companies build teams with unique and varied backgrounds and viewpoints. We’re proud to have been named a Top Diversity Employer by DiversityJobs. SSP America is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team, attracting dynamic talent, and offering team members the opportunity to do what they do best every day.

Recently, SSP America Director of Airport Operations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport Will Cooke accepted Green Dining Nevada’s Golden Pinecone Award for Sustainability or Green Project of the Year. Since 1988, the Golden Pinecone Awards have celebrated efforts to foster an environmentally conscious community. These awards honor those who have significantly contributed to a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. Will said, “Our sustainability initiatives—such as making napkins, coffee sleeves, and other items that are often taken in bulk and then discarded available upon request instead of out front, recycling glass and cardboard, and using compostable items—are all small yet significant steps towards SSP America’s larger commitment to sustainability.” Congratulations Liberty Toast, Reno Draft House, Tap & Pour, Wild Garlic, Timber Ridge, and Peet's Coffee!

Congratulations to the food travel experts below! These PASSIONate individuals completed the advanced ‘Preventive Controls Qualified Individual for Human Food Safety Training’ led by Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance Vanessa Cranford . The completion of this FDA-recognized training by 75 members of our team is a testament to our commitment to enhancing our food safety culture and systems integration. Safety first. And second. Aaron Esenberg Will Cooke Shawna Jones Kevin Jones Fawn M. Adam Robles Kellee Maher Donald Erke Randy Areola, PCQI LaToya Larkin Bo Coakes Munirath Prum Tina Dungan Lindsay Clemons Brian Riesenberg Sammy Franco

Food travel expert Aaron Horrell has worn several hats for SSP America at San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. He is our in-house Peet's Coffee specialist, responsible for keeping all three of SAN’s Peet’s units up to speed with product and training. Not only does he manage the site visits from the brand partner and make sure all units are prepared to produce the limited-time offer specials that Peet’s rotates throughout the year, he is also sent out to other airports that are opening Peet’s locations through SSP America to ensure their training programs are run properly.  While doing all that for Peet’s, Aaron also served as General Manager for two other units at SAN, including Urban Crave. Under his leadership, Urban Crave had the highest sales of the year for all of SSP America in FY2022 and the third highest in FY2023. “Aaron is an inspiration to the entire SSP America team at SAN. He’s held so many positions that most of us have had the pleasure of working with him directly, but even those who haven’t know and admire him,” said Kenneth L., SSP America Director of Operations, SAN.

Today is National Work Bestie Day. Having a close friend at work heightens mood and makes team members look forward to their workday. It also increases productivity and improves the overall office environment—a win-win! We asked Dottie Kennedy and Christina Lareau, a couple of SSP America besties, what it’s like to work together. “A best friend at work like Christina is not just a colleague but someone who turns every challenge into a shared adventure and every moment into a memory. Even though we’re in different departments, she is still my first resource when I run into a problem and am not sure where to turn for answers. With her, work feels like a team effort and every day is brighter. I feel so lucky that I found her!” - Executive Administrative Assistant Dottie Kennedy "From cubicle mates to best friends for life, Dottie has been my anchor through every challenge both at work and beyond. Her reliability, support, and ability to lift me up make even the toughest days easier. Plus, we sure know how to have a good time along the way! Grateful for you, Dottie, today and always." - Director of Commercial Marketing Christina Lareau

It’s #WorldFoodDay and this year’s theme is ‘right to foods for a better life and a better future.’ Nearly three billion people are unable to afford a healthy diet. That’s one reason we partner with Meals on Wheels America and Food Banks Canada | Banques alimentaires Canada. We’re committed to serving more than passengers; we serve the communities where we live and work. To find out how you can help, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org or https://foodbankscanada.ca.

SSP Canada has a lot to be thankful for this year. Not only did Bridgehead Coffee, Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery (both Ottawa International Airport Authority YOW / Administration de l'aéroport international d'Ottawa YOW), and Commissary and Production Manager Manny Gagaoudakis (Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport) win FAB Awards from The Moodie Davitt Report, we also opened a number of new restaurants at many of our 10 Canadian airports. We’re thankful for our many team members, both old and new, for their dedication and PASSION for serving a taste of place all over Canada. We hope you’re each enjoying the many flavors of Thanksgiving this holiday season.

Thanks, Maria Martinez and Dawn Hunter Christy, for representing SSP America on the planning committee for the Airport Minority Advisory Council’s (AMAC) SheSOARS Women in Aviation Summit! The Summit was a huge success thanks to the hard work of the committee, the entirety of AMAC, and many dedicated women from all over the aviation industry. During the Summit, attendees worked to solve the most significant issues facing women in our industry: recruiting more women, diversity and inclusion, advancing women leaders, and policies and practices that impact women. There was also time for some connection and fun! Attendees participated in ‘wellness breaks,’ such as breathwork, yoga, core engagement, and stretching and strengthening.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we take this opportunity to celebrate the vibrant cultures, rich traditions, and incredible contributions of our Hispanic employees. This month-long celebration is not just a time for recognition but also a chance for us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the diverse backgrounds within Hispanic culture. Special thanks to all of our team members who form this vibrant community and thank you for your PASSION and commitment to the team.

Today we celebrate one of the world’s oldest foods—the taco! It’s estimated that tacos have been around since sometime between 1000 and 500 B.C….and they’ve gotten better every year! At SSP America we love all tacos, but Tallboy Taco stands above the rest! Tallboy landed at Chicago Midway International Airport earlier this year. The Streeterville brand made a smooth landing and brings a taste of place that pleases Chicagoans and visitors alike!