The Grove

What The Grove does

The Grove, Inc. (TGI) is a privately held, woman-owned food and beverage concession operator founded in 1981 and headquartered in Westchester, Illinois. The company operates a portfolio of 26 brands — a mix of nationally recognized franchise systems (Chick-fil-A, Dunkin', Jersey Mike's, Wendy's, Jamba, Baskin-Robbins, Settebello, and others) and proprietary exclusive concepts (Lucky Streak, Fresh Market On The Go, Grove Snacks, Pretzels & Pints, The Crystals Food Hall) — across 11 U.S. airports, 2 railway stations, and 1 ghost kitchen, serving approximately 9 million guests annually.

TGI's revenue model combines direct food and beverage sales to travelers at non-traditional venues, franchise and licensing fees paid to/from national brand partners, and managed-services revenue derived from ACDBE (Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) participation as both a direct operator and a subcontractor to prime concessionaires. The company acquires venues through direct leasing with airport authorities and through prime concessionaire partnerships, pursuing new business via RFP responses and established industry relationships. Operations are supported by a corporate technology stack centered on field and corporate systems management, including biometric employee timekeeping (EasyClocking fingerprint scanning and Harri facial recognition via TeamHub App), though no proprietary AI/ML or customer-facing software products are offered.

The company's go-to-market is B2B enterprise field sales targeting airport authorities, railway operators, and franchise brand partners. TGI is governed as an Illinois corporation with no parent company, no disclosed venture or private equity backing, and no publicly traded securities. Recent strategic activity has emphasized expansion into new airports (PHL, DCA, ORD additions 2024-2026), the development of food hall formats (notably The Crystals at Phoenix Sky Harbor), and formalization of ACDBE joint venture partnerships with M2 Concepts, LLC and Emmanuel Partners, Inc.

Name

The Grove

Legal name

The Grove, Inc.

Website

https://thegroveinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Grove, Inc. is a privately held, woman-owned food and beverage concession operator founded in 1981 that runs 26 restaurant brands across 11 U.S. airports, 2 railway stations, and a ghost kitchen, serving 9 million travelers annually through direct operations and franchise partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Food and Beverage Concessions

NAICS

Restaurants and Other Eating Places (7225)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Concession & Stadium / Arena Catering (THAFAIAG)

Keywords

• Airport food concessions
• Non-traditional food service
• Restaurant franchise operations
• Travel hub food beverage
• Railway station dining

Headquarters

HQ city

Westchester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Food and Beverage Operations: Direct operation of restaurants in airports and railway stations, generating revenue from food and beverage sales to travelers.
2. Franchise and Licensing Fees: Revenue from operating nationally recognized franchise brands (Chick-fil-A, Dunkin', Jersey Mike's, Wendy's, etc.) under franchise agreements.
3. ACDBE Program: As an ACDBE (Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise), TGI participates in the DOT program designed to level the playing field for small businesses at airports receiving federal funds.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

The Grove, Inc. (TGI) operates food and beverage concessions at 11 U.S. airports and 2 railway stations, running a portfolio of 26 brands that combines nationally recognized franchises (Chick-fil-A, Dunkin', Jersey Mike's, Wendy's, Jamba, etc.) with proprietary exclusive concepts. The company directly leases restaurant space from airports and partners with prime concessionaires as a subcontractor, serving approximately 9 million travelers annually through quick service, casual dining, bars, and specialty concepts.

Product overview

The Grove, Inc. (TGI) operates a unified portfolio of 26 food and beverage brands across 11 airports, 2 railway stations, and 1 ghost kitchen. The portfolio spans quick service restaurants, casual dining, bars, and specialty concepts. Brand Partners include nationally recognized chains (Chick-fil-A, Dunkin', Jersey Mike's, Wendy's, Jamba, Baskin-Robbins, etc.), while Exclusive Brands feature TGI-operated concepts (Lucky Streak, Fresh Market On The Go, Grove Snacks, Pretzels & Pints) and locally-developed brands (Lucky Buns, Pedal Haus Brewery, The Crystals Food Hall). The company serves approximately 9 million guests annually at high-volume travel venues nationwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lucky Streak: Exclusive brand offering a new food and beverage experience to travelers
• Fresh Market On The Go
• Grove Snacks
• Pretzels & Pints

Products and services

• The Grove Brand Portfolio (26 brands) A collection of 26 nationally recognized and proprietary food and beverage brands operated at high-volume travel locations including airports and railway stations across the United States.
• Chick-fil-A (Airport Locations) Fast-food chicken restaurant chain operated under franchise at multiple airport locations including ATL, MSP, and PHX, serving travelers signature chicken sandwiches, nuggets, waffle fries, and related items.
• Dunkin' (Airport Locations) Coffee and donut chain operated under franchise at multiple airport locations including ATL, serving travelers coffee, espresso drinks, donuts, and breakfast items.
• Jersey Mike's Subs (Airport & Railway Locations) Fast-casual sub sandwich franchise operated at Chicago Union Station and Washington DC Union Station, offering fresh-sliced subs on freshly baked bread to travelers.
• Wendy's (Railway Locations) Fast-food chain operated at Washington DC Union Station food court, offering made-to-order square hamburgers using fresh, never frozen beef, salads, and Frosty dessert to rail travelers.
• Bobby's Burgers (PHX) Celebrity chef Bobby Flay's burger restaurant concept operated at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport under franchise/licensing agreement, offering signature burgers, sides, shakes, and breakfast menu items to travelers.
• Lucky Buns (DCA) Local Washington D.C. favorite burger brand operated at Reagan National Airport featuring global-inspired cuisine with influence from Australia, Southeast Asia, South America, and the UK. Awarded Best Casual Dining Concept at 2025 AX Awards.
• The Crystals Food Hall (PHX Terminal 4) TGI-operated food hall at Phoenix Sky Harbor Terminal 4 featuring multiple restaurant concepts including Pedal Haus Brewery, Eegee's, Bobby's Burgers, Berry Divine, and Chick-fil-A.
• Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana (MSP) Neapolitan pizza restaurant operated at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport known for authentic Italian pizza, awarded Best Quick Serve Restaurant Concept at 2023 AX Awards.
• Pronto Italian Sandwiches (ORD) Hinsdale-based Italian sandwich brand operated at O'Hare International Airport featuring homemade Schiacciata bread with imported Italian meats and cheeses.
• PrimoHoagies (PHL) South Philly-born sandwich brand operated at Philadelphia International Airport, known for signature Philly sandwiches and classic deli sides, launched as part of the 'Founded in Philly' campaign.
• Fresh Market On The Go (Exclusive Brand) TGI's proprietary grab-and-go market concept offering prepared foods, snacks, and beverages for travelers at airport locations. Won Highest Food and Beverage Mystery Shop Scores award.
• Pedal Haus Brewery (PHX) Local Phoenix-based brewery operated at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport featuring rustic pizzas, crispy chicken wings, local brews, creative cocktails, and breakfast options.
• Jamba (ORD) Smoothie and juice chain operated under franchise at O'Hare International Airport, offering fruit smoothies, bowls, and wellness drinks to travelers.
• Smoothie King (Airport Locations) Smoothie and health drink chain operated at airport locations offering nutritional smoothies and wellness beverages to travelers.
• Red Mango (Airport Locations) Frozen yogurt and smoothie chain operated at airport locations including DFW, offering healthy dessert and beverage options to travelers.
• Baskin-Robbins (Airport Locations) Ice cream and frozen dessert chain operated at airport locations, offering a variety of ice cream flavors and treats to travelers.
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (Airport Locations) Chocolate and confectionery shop operated at airport locations including ORD, offering handmade chocolates, fudge, and gift items to travelers.
• Philly Pretzel Factory (PHL) Pretzel bakery operated at Philadelphia International Airport, offering fresh-baked pretzels, pretzel sandwiches, and related items to travelers.
• Moe's Southwest Grill (Airport Locations) Tex-Mex fast-casual restaurant chain operated at airport locations, offering burritos, tacos, and southwest-style fare to travelers.
• Eegee's (PHX) Arizona-based frozen drink and sandwich chain operated at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, known for its unique frozen drinks and fast food items.
• Berry Divine (PHX) Acai bowl and wellness food concept operated at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, offering healthy breakfast and snack options to travelers.
• Pizzeria Limone (Airport Locations) Italian pizzeria operated at airport locations, offering Neapolitan-style pizza to travelers.
• Granato's Gourmet Market (Airport Locations) Gourmet market operated at airport locations, offering prepared foods and specialty items to travelers.
• Phillips Seafood (Airport Locations) Seafood restaurant chain operated at airport locations, offering crab cakes, seafood sandwiches, and maritime-inspired dishes to travelers.
• Sir Veza's (BWI) Filipino-inspired fast-casual restaurant concept operated at BWI airport.
• Market Express (Airport Locations) Express market operated at airport locations, offering snacks, beverages, and quick food items to travelers.
• Lucky Streak (Exclusive Brand) TGI's proprietary exclusive brand offering a unique food and beverage experience to travelers.
• Grove Snacks (Exclusive Brand) TGI's proprietary exclusive snack brand offering a variety of food and beverage items to travelers.
• Pretzels & Pints (Exclusive Brand) TGI's proprietary pretzel-focused restaurant concept operated at airport locations.
• Pagoda Asian Grill (Airport Locations) Asian grill concept operated at airport locations, offering Asian-inspired cuisine to travelers.
• Dos Toros (Airport Locations) Mexican-inspired taqueria and bar concept operated at airport locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 9 million guests served annually
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• M2 Concepts, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026ACDBE partner for PrimoHoagies operations at Philadelphia International Airport as part of the airport's 'Founded in Philly' campaign.
• Emmanuel Partners, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2025ACDBE partner for Pronto Italian Sandwiches operations at O'Hare International Airport. Partnership with Hinsdale-based sandwich brand owner Peter and Dana Burdi.
• Unison ConsultingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 19 March 2025Concessions manager at O'Hare International Airport. Partners with TGI on Pronto Italian Sandwiches and other operations.
• M2 Concepts, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 May 2024ACDBE partner for Lucky Buns operations at Reagan National Airport (DCA). M2 Concepts is a disadvantaged business enterprise participating in The Crystals food hall development. Partnership enables TGI to meet ACDBE participation goals while expanding local favorite brands.
• Fraport Washington Partnership LLCcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 16 May 2024Concessions management company at Reagan National Airport that partners with TGI on Lucky Buns and other operations. Attended grand opening events and supports operational excellence.
• Intelligration Capital BB, LLCcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 5 October 2022Licensor and franchisor company for Bobby's Burgers, the burger restaurant concept from celebrity chef Bobby Flay. TGI signed franchise agreement to open Bobby's Burgers locations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, including the first license agreement for the concept under Intelligration Capital.
• Emmanuel Partners (Gail Pye)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2022ACDBE partner of TGI in operating Jamba Juice location in Terminal 1 at O'Hare International Airport. Gail Pye was awarded ACDBE certification in 2018 and represents the company's commitment to small business participation.
• Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAirport authority overseeing Reagan National and Dulles International airports. Partners with TGI on multiple operations and recognitions including Manager of the Month awards.
• Fraport USAcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConcessions management company at BWI and IAD airports. Administers WINGS Award and Manager of the Month recognition programs with TGI.
• City of Chicago Department of AviationcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIssues Concessions Customer Service Excellence Awards to TGI at O'Hare International Airport. Partnership on operations and quality standards.
• Bobby FlaycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCelebrity chef and founder of Bobby's Burgers brand. TGI operates Bobby's Burgers locations at Phoenix Sky Harbor as franchise partner. Flay attended grand opening events and promoted the partnership.
• Airport Experience (AX) ConferenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual industry conference where TGI has been recognized with multiple awards including Best Overall Restaurateur (2026), Best Casual Dining (Lucky Buns 2025), and Best QSR Concept (Settebello 2023).

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• OTG Management: Airport hospitality operator offering technology-enhanced dining experiences at major U.S. airports. Comparable as an airport-focused food and beverage concession operator.
• SSP America: Leading airport restaurant operator in North America, operating own-brand and franchise concepts at airports. Directly comparable business model to TGI's airport concession operations.
• HMSHost: Largest U.S. airport food and beverage operator, operating thousands of locations across North American airports. Directly comparable to TGI in airport concession model, brand portfolio approach, and customer base.
• Concessions International: Airport food and beverage concessionaire operating brands at multiple U.S. airports. Comparable as a smaller-scale direct competitor in airport F&B concessions.
• Areas USA: Global travel hospitality food and beverage operator with significant U.S. airport presence. Comparable in operating branded F&B concepts at airports and travel hubs.
• Delaware North: Hospitality and food service company operating travel hospitality venues including airports. Comparable in managing franchise and proprietary food brands at high-traffic venues.
• Paradies Lagardère: Major airport retail and dining operator with locations across North American airports. Directly comparable in operating branded restaurant concepts in non-traditional travel venues.

Regional players

• Unison Consulting: Concessions manager at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where TGI operates multiple locations. Comparable as an airport concessions management peer and partner.

Emerging players

• Marketplace 802: Smaller-scale airport F&B operator with locations at select U.S. airports. Comparable as a niche concessionaire operating branded restaurant concepts in non-traditional venues.

Broad incumbents

• Fraport USA: Concessions management arm of Fraport, operating and managing retail/F&B programs at BWI and IAD (where TGI is a partner). Comparable as an airport concessions management company working with operators like TGI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/thegroveinc
• Facebookfacebook.com/TGIthegroveinc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Grove