HMSHost takes on Manhattan with limes Square food court

Nation's Restaurant News, June 5, 2000

NEW YORK -- HMSHost established a presence in Times Square last month when it opened a nine-unit food court in the Forest City Ratner retail and entertainment complex.

The 35,000-square-foot food court contains a variety of sit-down and quick service restaurant brands: Chili's, Starbucks, Ranch*1, Ruby's Dinette, Manchu Wok, California Pizza Kitchen ASAP, Cinnabon, Jody Maroni's and Carvel.

In addition to in-store and carry-out service, HMSHost planned to offer catering and delivery service beginning June 5, through phone and fax orders.

"We have a lot of experience serving travelers in the airports of the greater New York City area," said John McCarthy, president and chief executive of HMSHost. "Our 42nd Street Food Court project marks our entry into Manhattan. We are delighted to expand our portfolio to include providing services to the millions of people who live in, work in and visit Times Square.

Last year HMSHost signed a 10-year lease with Forest City Ratner to develop and operate the food court. The complex contains a number of retail shops and a 25-screen movie theater.

"We certainly have enjoyed working in partnership with Forest City Ratner to bring this mix of international brands and regional favorites [here]," said Stan Synkoski, vice president of development and operations, Mall Division, for HMSHost. Synkoski noted that the company could generate revenues of up to $20 million a year at the site.

In the wake of being purchased by Autogrill Sp.A., HMSHost has decided not to pursue future opportunities in shopping malls. However, the company will continue to operate its 12 mall food courts already in existence around the country.