FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 16, 2009

From: Houston Airport System and SSP America

Contacts: HAS Communications Darleen Nascimento

Media Line SSP America
(281) 233-1234 (703) 723-5418
(281) 233-1702 (703) 462-4699 (c)

darleen.nascimento@foodtravelexperts.com

HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM AND SSP AMERICA GRAND OPENING VIP EVENT TO SHOWCASE
LE 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) The Houston Airport System and SSP America, a division of SSP;
the leading dedicated operator of food and beverage brands worldwide, celebrated the opening of Le
Grand Comptoir and Real Food Company in a VIP Event. The arrival of these two unique restaurants to
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) marks the first locations in North America.

Bush Intercontinental Airport is now celebrating its 40th Anniversary. IAH is the 8th busiest airport in the
nation. In 2006, it was named the fastest growing of the top ten airports in the United States.

“Houston is a global city with connections to 170 destinations worldwide,” said Eric Potts, interim director
of aviation for Houston. ‘George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the perfect partner for new restaurant
concepts like Real Food Company and Le Grand Comptoir because of our accessibility, location and high
passenger traffic.”

Le Grand Comptoir is an authentic French brasserie and with over 80 styles of wine available by the
glass; it is truly unlike any other airport wine bar. Fresh, upscale and contemporary, its rich wood finishes
are balanced by vibrant green hues, stonework accents, posh leather stools and a long, elegant brass bar
dressed with modern pendant lighting. Uniquely positioned windows provide travelers the opportunity to
peer into the sleek wine room from the bustling concourse. A charming ladder rolls gracefully across a
diverse range of wines, drawn from an inventory of over a thousand bottles. Its bistro-inspired fare
includes signature crab bakes and tempting strawberry 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 Grand
Comptoir brings a cosmopolitan vibe and tasteful sophisticated environment to Houston travelers.

Providing eight separate and distinctly different menus at once, an active open kitchen and a dedicated
head chef, Real Food Company definitely epitomizes its name—‘real food’. This vast 6,200 sq. ft.
modern marché-style restaurant entices travelers with beautiful displays of fresh ingredients and the
fragrance of its bakery. Theater-style cooking is complemented with artistic flourish amongst the
constantly evolving menus. It is an extravagant affair. Real eggs, fresh artisan bread and passionate
chefs are all to be expected at Real Food Company. A wall of glass is the only barrier between the
consumer and endless arrays of gourmet salads featuring baby field greens, grilled chicken, toasted
almonds, fresh mushrooms and green onions tossed with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. A delicatessen
display features made-to-order sandwiches such as its signature cranberry mustard on sourdough bread
filled generously with roast turkey and aged Swiss. Traditional and innovative toppings are available on
the oven-baked pizzas. Texas barbeque brisket and juicy roasted chicken with choice sides of ginger
glazed baby carrots and southern-style creamed corn are also on the menu. For a divine finish to any
meal, jars of Dream Bar Bites made of graham cracker crust, shaved coconut, butterscotch and chocolate
chips are available as you approach one of the numerous POS stations. The dining room’s calming décor
of warm oranges and natural woods is the perfect contrast to the drama of the bustling kitchen.

“We applaud our partners who launch their new concepts with great products, excellent customer service
and a memorable customer experience,” said Robert Wigington, deputy director for marketing,
communications and community affairs.

Le Grand Comptoir and Real Food Company are located in Terminal C and join SSP’s international
bakery concepts Upper Crust and Panopolis.

About Houston Airport System

The Houston Airport System (HAS) served more than 50 million passengers in 2008, ranking as the 4th
largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th largest airport in the world. Houston's three airports
contribute 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 the
8th busiest airport in the nation. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) together
have served the Texas Gulf Coast region for more than 150 years. For more information, visit
fly2houston.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. Its
unparalleled portfolio of international, national, local, specialty and new breakthrough food and beverage
brands includes its own national and international brands. Among these are Starbucks, Caffè Ritazza,
Marks & Spencer Simply Food, Bonne Journée, Caviar House & Prunier, Le Grand Comptoir, Panopolis,
Camden food co., Upper Crust and Le Train Bleu. SSP has operations in airports, train stations,
motorways, retail parks and conference centers.

About SSP America (SSP Canada / SSP Caribbean)

SSP America operates in more than 42 airports and motorways across the USA, Canada and the
Caribbean. Third party brands in the broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels,
Houlihan’s, Gordon Biersch, Panda Express, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Chick-fil-A, Moe’s Southwest
Grill, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, T.G.I. Friday’s, Tim Hortons, The Great American Bagel and Buffalo Wild
Wings. SSP America’s brand portfolio also includes strong local icons such as Laurelwood Public House
& Brewery, Harry & Izzy’s, Nonna Bartolotta’s, Alterra Coffee, Shapiro’s Deli, Brew Brothers Brewery and
Legends of Aviation.

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