‘A testament to our dedication to serving travellers’ – Avolta’s HMSHost triumphs at 2025 AX Awards

USA. Travel restaurateur HMSHost, an Avolta company, has been named Best Overall Restaurateur at the 2025 AX Awards, held during the 21st Airport Experience Conference in Washington, D.C.

The recognition, presented by Airport Experience News, underscores the company’s excellence across all aspects of operations, including customer service, innovation, food quality and marketing.

HMSHost was also lauded for its success in developing a strong brand portfolio, high-quality food and service that enhance the traveller experience.

Avolta President and CEO, North America Steve Johnson said, “Each day, our team members put the traveller at the centre of everything they do to make the journey the best it can be, and last night our industry applauded that commitment.

“This award is a testament to their dedication to serving travellers, from the early morning hours to the last flight of the night, and I could not be more proud of how they demonstrate that passion every day. I look forward to celebrating this recognition with our thousands of team members across North America.”

Multiple HMSHost concepts were also named finalists across categories, including Best Bar Experience, Best Quick-Serve Restaurant, Best Local-Inspired Restaurant and Best Casual-Dining Concept.

In addition, the company received nominations for Restaurateur with the Highest Regard for Customer Service, while Avolta’s operations at Calgary International Airport were recognised for Best Local Management Team, reflecting their commitment to elevating the traveller experience.

The Calgary Airport Authority General Manager of Retail and Development Chris Niergarth said, “YYC Calgary International Airport is proud to nominate our local Avolta management team for this award. Their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and guest experience has truly raised the bar for airport hospitality.

“From their thoughtful attention to detail to their passion for service, Avolta consistently delivers elevated travel experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. We’re grateful for their partnership and the collaborative spirit they bring to everything we do. Together, we’re redefining what world-class travel looks like – right here in Calgary.”

Full list of winners:

Best Bar Experience – Medium/Small Airports: Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery by SSP America at Ottawa International Airport

Best Bar Experience – Large Airports: Embarque Whiskey Grill by Bambuza Hospitality at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Airport With The Best Program Design: Los Angeles International Terminal 3

DE&I TrailBlazer: Andrea Albo of Denver International Airport

Best Passenger Service: Gameway

Best Lounge Experience: The Club SFO by Airport Dimensions at San Francisco International Airport

Best ACDBE Operator – Food & Beverage: Phase Next Hospitality

Best ACDBE Operator – Retail or Services: Amy Billings

Airport With The Best Overall Concessions Program: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Best Local Management Team: Delaware North Team at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Best Casual-Dining Concept – Medium/Small Airports: Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails by Mission Yogurt at John Wayne Airport

Best Casual-Dining Concept – Large Airports: Lucky Buns by The Grove at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept – Medium/Small Airports: Velvet Taco by LaTrelle’s Management Corporation at William P. Hobby Airport

Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept – Large Airports: Fat Sal’s/Yakumi by Crews Hospitality at Los Angeles International Airport

Best Overall Retailer – Small Operators: Love From USA Group

Best Overall Retailer – Large Operators: Paradies Lagardère

Best Sustainability Initiative In Airports: John Wayne Airport – Edible Food Donation Program

Best Overall Restaurateur – Small Operators: High Flying Foods

Best Overall Restaurateur – Large Operators: HMSHost

Airport With The Best Community Engagement Initiative: Denver International Airport, for Business Development Training Academy

Restaurateur With The Highest Regard For Customer Service – Small Operators: High Flying Foods

Restaurateur With The Highest Regard For Customer Service – Large Operators: Paradies Lagardère

Retailer With The Highest Regard For Customer Service – Small Operators: Corliss Stone-Littles

Retailer With The Highest Regard For Customer Service – Large Operators: WHSmith North America

Airport With The Best Commercial Team – Medium/Small Airports: Jacksonville International Airport

Airport With The Best Commercial Team – Large Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Best Local-Inspired Restaurant Concept – Medium/Small Airports: Uccello’s Ristorante by Paradies Lagardère at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Best Local-Inspired Restaurant Concept – Large Airports: Salty’s at the SEA by Concessions International at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Best Local-Inspired Store – Medium/Small Airports: Made In KC by WHSmith North America at Kansas City International Airport

Best Local-Inspired Store – Large Airports: Local Marketplace by Airport Retail Group at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Airport With The Highest Regard for Customer Service: Orlando International Airport 

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