SOF Connect, the operator of Sofia Airport, signed a contract with SSP. SSP is a leading operator of food and beverage (F&B) outlets in travel locations worldwide. SSP’s investment marks a major milestone in the enhancement of Sofia Airport’s dining experience.
Under this partnership, SSP will introduce a range of top brands from the F&B industry to Sofia Airport, elevating the quality and diversity of food options available to travelers. This collaboration is set to transform the airport’s dining landscape, offering passengers access to some of the most renowned and beloved international and local culinary brands. Among the top global brands that will be present at Sofia Airport are Starbucks, Burger King, and TGI Fridays, as well as well-established and internationally recognized SSP brands such as Levito – Pizza Pasta, Negroni, Camden Food Co., Ta.Sh.Ba, Upper Crust, Soul & Grain, Dao Dao – Asian Cuisine, , and bespoke concepts – Meshana – Taste of Bulgaria and Bar 09-27.
“We are glad to partner with SSP to bring a world-class food and beverage experience to Sofia Airport. This contract is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and making Sofia Airport a 5-star regional airport.”, said Jesus Caballero, CEO of SOF Connect.
“We’re proud to be working in collaboration with SOF Connect to create an even better airport experience in the region. Our strong and innovative range of bespoke, local, and international brands and cutting-edge design, as well as our understanding of the needs of international and local passengers, will enable us to create an environment that captures the true spirit of hospitality and heritage that is so much a part of Bulgarian culture. These magnificent bars, restaurants and cafes will cement our reputation in this important new market.” added George Antoniou Managing Director of SSP Eastern Europe and Middle East.
The introduction of SSP’s expertise will bring global best practices in food service management, innovation, and customer satisfaction to Sofia Airport.
The project foresees the development of a modern food court area in line with the best international practices and industry standards. The central area of the food court will be designated for spacious common seating area as well as outdoor terrace that will offer variaty of seating types that will enhance the customers’ comfort and overall passengers’ experience.
The project will be implemented in several phases, starting with the first two outlets – Starbucks and Camden food co, which are expected to begin operations at the beginning of 2025, offering passengers a rich variety of drinks and fresh food, complementing Sofia Airport’s ongoing transformation.
Photos from the signing and renderings of future sites can be found at.
About SOF Connect
SOF Connect is the operator of the largest international airport in Bulgaria. The company took over the management of Sofia Airport for a period of 35 years, starting from April 19, 2021. Meridiam is the main shareholder and owns 100% of the capital in SOF Connect. Munich Airport provides expertise and best practices for the transformation of Sofia Airport. The concession project is a long-term plan to modernize the airport and raise its services and facilities to the highest global standards. The goal is to stimulate the economic growth of Bulgaria, attract more tourists and turn the country into a preferred destination.
More about Sofia Airport.
About SSP
SSP is a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, with c.43,000 colleagues in over 600 locations across 37 countries. We operate sit-down and quick service restaurants, cafes, lounges and food-led convenience stores, principally in airports and train stations, with a portfolio of more than 550 international, national and local brands. These include our own brands (such as Urban Crave, which brought the first “street eats” concept to airports in the US and Nippon Ramen, a noodle and dumpling concept in the APAC region) as well as franchise brands (such as M&S Simply Foods, Starbucks and Burger King).
Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and this is underpinned by our aim to bring leading brands and innovative concepts to our clients and customers around the world, with an emphasis on great value, taste, quality and service – using digital technology to boost efficiency.