PINKBERRY’S FLAVOR OF L.A. LANDS AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

(Los Angeles, California – September 10, 2009)  Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and HMSHost Corporation today celebrated the opening of Pinkberry – a Los Angeles frozen-yogurt favorite – at Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX).  This is the first airport site for Pinkberry and is located in Terminal 1 after passenger security screening.

            Known for having reinvented the U.S. style of frozen yogurt in Los Angeles and inspired by European gelaterias and yogurterias, Pinkberry at LAX offers distinctive, expertly made flavors that complement its high-quality, daily fresh-cut fruit and dry toppings.  

“HMSHost brings another innovative concept to our growing selection of unique dining options at LAX,” said Gina Marie Lindsey, LAWA executive director. “It’s great to offer our travelers another taste of the best of Los Angeles when they arrive or depart our airport.”

“Los Angeles is where Pinkberry started, so we are thrilled to open our first airport Pinkberry at Los AngelesInternationalAirport,” said Ron Graves, Pinkberry CEO.  “We look forward to treating travelers from around the world to the chilly bliss of our refreshing and flavorful yogurt.”

Pinkberry is the latest addition to the food service offerings by HMSHost Corporation at LAX.  The popular frozen yogurt maker joins other local Los Angelesfavorites: Baja Fresh Express, La Brea Bakery, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Gladstone’s, all of which have opened successively in the past year.

The first Pinkberry store opened in January 2005 in West Hollywood, “Yogurt-nistas” experience the frozen dessert that is described as swirly goodness.  Pinkberry has grown to more than 70 stores with its popular tart yogurt that has become known as “the taste that launched a thousand parking tickets.”

“Travelers arriving or departing LAX are interested in what makes Los Angeles cool.  In this case, it’s literally the frozen dessert that gives ice cream a run for its money,” said Steve Johnson, HMSHost senior vice president, business development.  “We’re pleased to add a food concept at LAX that perhaps will be the first place travelers make this ‘tasteful’ discovery.”

HMSHost commemorated its new partnership at LAX with a donation to Children’s Miracle Network from donations collected from travelers across the country at many of its airport locations.  In 2008, a donation of more than $500,000 was given to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout the U.S. 

Los Angeles World Airports is the Los Angeles city department that owns and operates a system of three airports: Los AngelesInternationalAirport (LAX), LA/Ontario International (ONT) and Van Nuys (VNY).  Each plays an integral role in helping to meet the Southern California regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service.  Each airport makes a distinct contribution to the strength of the system as it provides a high level of safety, security and service for its customers, communities and stakeholders.  LAX is the sixth busiest airport internationally and the third busiest in the United States.  

            HMSHost Corporation operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America, providing shopping and dining offerings.  The company has annual sales in excess of $2.6 billion and employs more than 33,000 sales associates worldwide.  HMSHost is part of Autogrill S.p.A., recognized leaders in travel restaurants and retail.