Economic Development & Business LOCAL FLAVOR HEADING TO COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT

by PAMELA BALES

Renovations at the Colorado Springs Airport began in September 2023 and are projected to be completed by May 2026 with eight phases of construction. Phase 4 will bring travelers a taste of Colorado Springs with nine new food and beverage concepts through a partnership with SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with SSP America and look forward to their plans for enhancing our travelers’ dining experience,” said Greg Phillips, Director of Aviation for COS. “The sense of place that will be created through SSP America’s local portfolio will not only support our community’s businesses but will give visitors a taste of what to expect in Colorado Springs.”

Vice President of Business Development Kyle Phillips commented, “At SSP America we’re all about bringing cool, authentic restaurants to airports that reflect a taste of place.”

The portfolio of nine brands includes:

Atrevida Beer Company is a local craft brewer headed by Founder and Brew Master Jess Fierro, the first Latina owner and head brewer in Colorado. The brand will offer an all-day, full-service menu of hearty brewpub fare and a selection of the brewery’s draft beers as well as a full bar.

Camden Food Co. offers a quick-service market tailored to travelers who need food on the move and seek a menu filled with variety for a wide range of dietary needs. Camden at COS will be a 24/7 operation.

Colorado Craft celebrates Colorado’s breweries, distilleries, farms and purveyors through a menu of chef-driven, scratch-made plates made from locally sourced ingredients and spins on American classics. Colorado Craft was founded by celebrated Colorado Springs Chef Mario Vasquez and accomplished restaurateurs Bryan Bradigan and Dylan Currier.

Drifter’s Hamburgers is a family-friendly restaurant with fast-food hamburgers from local beef (with no hormones) that don’t cost a fortune. Hamburgers, fries, salads, milkshakes, breakfast burritos, and “cracked egg” handheld breakfast sandwiches are the mainstay of the menu.

Einstein Bros Bagels and Einstein Bros Express offer the largest bagel brand in America, featuring a delicious menu all day with freshly baked bagels, madeto-order hot breakfast and lunch sandwiches, freshly brewed Breakfast Blend Coffees, and Sweet Cream Cold Brews and Cold Brew Shakes.

Mi Casa Cantina is a Mexican eatery featuring an all-day menu bursting with fresh, house-made flavors true to south-of-the-border cooking; all prepared with an eye toward speed of service for travelers.

Peet’s provides a full line-up of 100% responsibly sourced coffee (per Enveritas standards) and teas prepared by meticulously trained baristas. Enveritas is a 501(c)(3) which works to end global poverty in the coffee industry. Their menu includes gourmet sandwiches, salads, breakfast sandwiches, and grab-and-go items.

Pizzeria Rustica, founded by local chef and restaurateur Jay Gust, features award-winning Neapolitan style pizza cooked in a wood fired oven. Dough and mozzarella will be made daily with a range of breakfast plates, fresh salads, and Italian desserts.