SSP America brings celebrated brewery to PDX passengers
SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has opened the award-winning Deschutes Brewery, an Oregon craft beer pioneer, at Portland International Airport Concourse D. SSP America and Deschutes Brewery have partnered on all aspects of the brewery’s airport location since being awarded the contract in the summer of 2017.
“Portland’s airport is well-known for showcasing Oregon’s most iconic, high quality brands to visitors,” said Michael LaLonde, Deschutes Brewery president and CEO. “We’re proud to be joining SSP America’s select group of vendors to bring our unique pub culture, our amazing food and our damn tasty beer we’ve now been brewing for 30 years to the nearly 17 million travellers who come through PDX every year.”
The design of the space capitalizes on the natural light of the airfield and echoes the energy of the original Deschutes Brewery location in downtown Bend, Oregon. Passengers will experience a true public house/beer hall feel with open ceilings, barrel stave walls and comfortable surrounds. A 35’ craft beer bar, a state-of-the-art digital fireplace and a custom stainless-steel wall depicting the history of Deschutes add visual interest to the space.
Deschutes’ defining beers such as Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Fresh Squeezed IPA and seasonal, small batch beers will be on draft as well as a beer exclusively available to the PDX passenger. SSP America’s culinary team has worked closely with Deschutes Brewery Corporate Executive Chef Jeff Usinowicz and his team to craft an expanded menu for the airport location, accented by a variety of items which use the beers as a key ingredient.
SSP America is a long-term operator at PDX, and the opening of Deschutes is the latest example of the company’s focus on bringing a ‘taste of place’ to North American airports. Scott Welding, vice president of business development, commented, “Our team has a tremendous commitment to the PDX community and share the airport’s focus on local and regional concepts. Deschutes Brewery is an incredible partner and a committed member of the greater Portland community. We’re going to work very hard to deliver an exceptional experience to PDX passengers.”
