Officials from Tampa International Airport and TPA Hospitality Partners on Thursday held a grand opening celebration for Auntie Anne’s, the global hand-rolled pretzel franchise.
The opening of Auntie Anne’s marked the official start of operations for one of the airport’s new concessionaires, TPA Hospitality Partners, which features Delaware North and Tampa-area entrepreneurs
Jeff Vinik, owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning; Maryann Ferenc, owner of Mise en Place Hospitality Group; Tyrone Nabbie, owner of Superior Hospitality Group; and Caroline Ellerson, owner of Green Clay Concessionaires.
“It’s a classic favorite for travelers looking for a quick, tasty snack on the go,” Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North’s travel hospitality business, said of Auntie Anne’s.
Auntie Anne’s is one of several new food and beverage outlets planned for the airport by TPA Hospitality Partners, which was awarded the multiyear contract in June 2015 to operate food and beverage services at the airport. TPA Hospitality Partners – founded on a shared “extreme hospitality” philosophy – plans to deliver a lineup of culinary offerings that reflect Tampa’s lifestyle and iconic restaurants, as well as quick-service category leaders.
PHOTO CAPTION: Tampa airport CEO Joe Lopano (left) and Caroline Ellerson, a member of TPA Hospitality Partners, cut the ribbon to officially open Auntie Anne's.