Partnering With Chicago, HMSHost Sponsors 2015 James Beard Awards

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - May 20, 2014) -  Underscoring the company's commitment to culinary excellence and to the City of Chicago, HMSHost announced today it would sponsor the 2015 James Beard Foundation Awards. The Beard Awards encompass all facets of the food and restaurant world -- from chefs to cookbook authors -- and rank as the highest honor for food and beverage professionals in North America. In 2015, for the first time, the ceremony will be held outside of New York City -- in Chicago.

"We are very proud and excited to be a part of this prestigious event. Chicago is truly a world-class city with world-class culinary taste, so it is only natural that the James Beard Awards would be held here," said Tom Fricke, President and CEO of HMSHost. "Mayor Emanuel worked tirelessly to secure this event -- not surprising given his continued dedication to attracting the very best chefs and restaurants to Chicago."

Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and continue to emphasize the Foundation's mission: to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America's culinary heritage and diversity.

HMSHost is the largest and most-trusted restaurant operator in the airport industry, enjoying long-lasting relationships with world-class chefs who entrust the company with their brands. Since 1998, HMSHost has been a provider of high-quality restaurants at Chicago O'Hare International Airport and award-winning food and drink options to O'Hare travelers, including some of Chicago's best offerings like Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera, Stefani's Tuscany, Wolfgang Puck and BJ's Market.

"HMSHost is sponsoring this event as a celebration of Chicago's culinary excellence, something we have been committed to providing this city for the last two decades. We are proud that many of HMSHost's partners have had their menus developed by the very best culinary experts in the world," Fricke said.

Since 1990, HMSHost's partners and concessionaires have racked up over 40 Beard Award nominations and wins, including: recent 2014 Outstanding Chef winner Nancy Silverton, Pizzeria Mozza; 2012 Outstanding Pastry Chef winner Mindy Segal; and Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Wolfgang Puck.

About HMSHost
Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.7 billion and employs more than 30,000 sales associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world's leading provider of food & beverage services for people on the move. With sales of around EUR 4 billion in 2013, the Group operates in 30 countries and employs some 56,000 people. It manages approximately 4,700 stores in over 1,000 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information. We can also be found on Facebook at fb.com/HMSHost.