Local Brands Highlight New Food Hall
SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has announced the opening of Marche C at Tampa International Airport, which ispart of a larger 10-year contract to operate 14 units at the airport. An immensely large food hall, Marche C draws travelers in with an impressive group of local, Tampa culinary heroes includingGoody Goody, Ulele and Café con Leche Ybor City from Columbia Restaurant Group, as well as Bavaros, Fitlife Foods and Louis Pappas Fresh Greek.
With the original restaurant opening in 1905, the Columbia Restaurant Group (CRG) has been instrumental in building the Tampa culinary scene. Still owned and operated by the founding family, CRG restaurants Ulele, Goody Goody and Café con Leche Ybor City were the perfect choice for TPA Marche C. Ulele offers travelers charbroiled and raw oysters, grouper and chicken as well as craft beers and cocktails. Founded in 1925 and reopened after a 12-year hiatus, Goody Goody features burgers, pies and fries as well as breakfast sandwiches. A new concept created specifically for Marche C, Café con Leche Ybor City offers travelers a variety of coffees brewed in Tampa’s Ybor City, as well as delicious churros and pastries.
“We are tremendously excited for our three restaurants to join our restaurant friends and colleagues here at Marche C,” said Richard Gonzmart, fourth generation “caretaker” of the Columbia Restaurant Group. “Airports form travelers’ first and last impressions of an area. With Tampa International now offering a wide array of flavors from locally owned, family businesses, the best airport in the country now becomes the one with the best taste, too.”
Staying true to the Pappas family’s core values of pure Greek cooking, Louis L. Pappas continues almost a century of Pappas tradition with his fast casual concept, Louis Pappas Fresh Greek. Louis Pappas Fresh Greek serves up authentic Greek cuisine to a new generation of today’s busy customers who refuse to choose between convenience and great taste. Using only the freshest and healthiest of ingredients, the talented chefs at Louis Pappas Fresh Greek have brought a true taste of Tampa to Marche C.
Speaking on the opening, Louis Pappas said, “Louis Pappas Fresh Greek is proud to be among the Tampa Bay area restaurants chosen to part of Tampa International’s new look. Louis Pappas Fresh Greek and our partner, SSP America will continue to provide a high standard of food quality and service to busy travelers, representing Tampa Bay with pride.”
Prior to opening Bavaro’s, founder Dan Bavaro traveled to Italy to learn firsthand the art of Neapolitan pizza making from 3rd generation Neapolitan family bakers. When he returned, Bavaro created a menu is focused around a stunning imported wood-fired brick oven hand crafted and brought over from Naples. At Marche C, travelers flock to the crackling sound of the flamed 900 degree oven and the sweet aroma of fresh, Italian flavors.
When asked about the grand opening, Bavaro said, “We are honored to partner with SSP America and Tampa International Airport, and are incredibly excited about the opportunity to share our passion with travellers at Marche C.”
David Osterweil’s Fitlife Foods will offer passengers flavor-forward, healthy grab-and-go meals specifically prepared to power your travel endurance. Using fresh local ingredients, salads, wraps and expertly crafted meals and snacks are perfectly portioned, and meet every dietary preference including gluten-free, low-carb and vegetarian.
Commenting on the opening, Osterweil said, “We’re excited to be a part of this opportunity and represent Tampa and the local business community. At Fitlife Foods, we are committed to powering travelers to be at their best with our fresh, grab and go items that are nutritious, delicious and perfectly crafted from scratch. It’s time to energize people moving through TPA!”
SSP America CEO Michael Svagdis commented, “We are honored to deliver a concept that is tailored to TPA’s vision of an extraordinary passenger experience that attracts travelers from around the globe. The restaurants at Marche C will truly offer TPA travelers a taste of place.”
