What Areas, United States does

Areas USA is the US operating unit of Areas, a Spain-founded travel hospitality company established in 1968 and owned since July 2019 by European private equity firm PAI Partners (acquired from Elior Group). The company operates F&B and retail locations under long-term concession contracts with airport authorities and state highway/turnpike operators, serving travelers at 27 US airports (including MIA, ATL, ORD, MCO, LAX, MSP, EWR, DTW, HOU, and SAN) and 12 travel plazas (including Florida Turnpike, Maryland I-95, and West Virginia Turnpike). Following the December 2025 acquisition of Delaware North's Travel Hospitality Services (THS), Areas USA operates nearly 400 locations, employs 6,000+ team members, and is positioned as the largest privately held travel hospitality company in the United States.

The core product is a diversified multi-brand F&B and retail platform spanning 150+ proprietary, co-branded, and franchise concepts ranging from global QSR names (Starbucks, McDonald's, Burger King, Dunkin', Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut) to proprietary formats such as SELF (the world's first AI-powered robotic restaurant in an airport, opened January 2025 at Barcelona-El Prat), On Your Way (fully automated cashierless stores using AiFi computer vision and Oracle POS, launched at Madrid-Barajas and ATL in March 2025), and award-winning concepts like Flax & Kale and StrEAT. Technology is layered onto the operating model primarily through partnerships (AiFi, Oracle, IJRRobótica, AEV, Kuka, MasterCard, The Predictive Company) rather than developed in-house.

Revenue is generated via transaction fees (percentage-of-sales concession economics) on consumer F&B and retail purchases, supplemented by franchise royalties and brand minimums from 150+ brand partners. Globally the company generates $3.1B in annual revenue across 2,200+ locations in 11 countries, serving 350 million customers per year (35 million in the US). Go-to-market is enterprise-led: Areas pursues large multi-year concession tenders via competitive public procurement at airports (Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Aena, Chicago Department of Aviation) and highway authorities, then operates the contracted locations directly or through franchise and co-branding arrangements. Additional growth channels include leisure-destination catering (Center Parcs across Germany, France, and now Denmark) and a recurring innovation pipeline via the Areas for Change Challenge with Plug and Play.

Name

Areas, United States

Legal name

Elior Participations

Website

https://us.areas.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Areas USA is the US subsidiary of Barcelona-based Areas, operating food, beverage, and retail concessions at 27 airports and 12 travel plazas under long-term contracts, serving travelers through 150+ proprietary, co-branded, and franchise concepts following the 2025 Delaware North THS acquisition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Food & Beverage Concessions

NAICS

Restaurants and Other Eating Places (72251), Food Services and Drinking Places (722), Grocery and Convenience Retailers (4451)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Retail-Grocery Stores (5411), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Airport Food & Beverage Concessions (THABALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hotel & Resort Restaurants (THAFACAH), Station Retail, Food & Concessions (THAIALAK)

Keywords

• Airport food concessions
• Travel plaza dining
• Airport retail services
• Concession operations
• Travel hospitality

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Airport F&B and Retail Concession Operations: Areas operates F&B and retail locations at airports and travel plazas under concession agreements with airport authorities and landlords. Revenue is generated as a percentage of sales (concession fee/take-rate model) from owned brands, co-branded concepts, and franchise partnerships. The company manages nearly 400 locations across 27 airports and 12 travel plazas in the US after the Delaware North THS acquisition. Globally, Areas operates over 2,200 restaurants and stores generating $3.1 billion in annual revenue.
2. Franchise and Co-Branded Brand Partnerships: Areas operates 150+ national, proprietary, and local dining and retail brands, including franchise relationships with world-class brands such as Starbucks, Paul, Burger King, La Place, McDonald's, Dunkin', Subway, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, KFC, Nathan's, Auntie Anne's, Jamba Juice, Corona, Currito Cantina, and many others. Revenue includes direct sales from proprietary brands plus royalties and guaranteed minimums from franchise partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Areas USA operates food & beverage and travel retail concessions at airports and highway travel plazas across the United States. The company manages nearly 400 locations across 27 airports and 12 travel plazas, serving 35 million customers annually through a portfolio of 150+ brands including proprietary concepts (SELF, Sibarium, Flax & Kale, On Your Way), franchise partnerships (Starbucks, McDonald's, Burger King, Dunkin', Subway), and local concepts. Areas wins long-term concession contracts (10-15 year terms) through competitive tenders from airport authorities and highway operators.

Product overview

Areas is a global leader in travel dining and retail services, operating a diverse portfolio of proprietary brands, local concepts, and international franchise partnerships across airports, railway stations, and highway service plazas. The portfolio includes proprietary AI-powered concepts like SELF (world's first robotic restaurant) and On Your Way (automated stores); health-focused concepts like Flax & Kale; innovative design concepts like StrEAT and Sibarium; international franchises including Starbucks, Paul, Burger King, Dunkin', KFC, Wendy's, Subway, Nathan's, and McDonald's; and local concepts like Boldú and Montesquiu. The company offers over 150 top and trending brands across nearly 400 locations in the U.S., serving travelers with diverse dining options from quick-service to casual dining.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sibarium: Proprietary foodservice concept operated by Areas
• SELF
• Deli&Cia
• COMO
• Flax & Kale
• StrEAT
• Airea
• On Your Way

Products and services

• SELF - AI-Powered Robotic Restaurant World's first AI-powered robotic restaurant concept in an airport, using autonomous robotic arm with machine vision camera to prepare and deliver orders. Handles up to 6 orders simultaneously, serving coffees, sandwiches, juices, pastries, salads, pokes, desserts, and soft drinks.
• On Your Way - Automated Retail Stores Fully automated cashierless retail store concept using AI-powered computer vision technology (AiFi) integrated with Oracle POS. Customers link a credit card to enter; cameras and weight sensors track selections and automatically charge. Available 24/7 offering food, beverages, travel essentials, and convenience items.
• Flax & Kale Health-centered proprietary concept committed to healthy, sustainable, and innovative dining. Won Best Health-Centered Airport Offer in Europe and globally at FAB Awards 2025.
• Sibarium Areas' proprietary foodservice concept featuring innovative design and culinary offerings. Won Innovative Concept Award at Marcas de Restauración 2024.
• StrEAT Proprietary street food concept that won 'Airport Restaurant Design of the Year' at FAB Awards 2024 in Ontario, California.
• Deli&Cia Fresh deli concept offering quality prepared foods and sandwiches for travelers.
• COMO Areas' proprietary dining format showcased at FAB Awards 2025 Barcelona event.
• Airea Areas' proprietary brand concept included in portfolio of dining options.
• Island Chicken Grill Caribbean-inspired grilled chicken concept at Miami International Airport featuring health-conscious menu options.
• Homeboy Café Areas' proprietary café concept featuring self-checkout kiosks for efficient service, operating at LAX Terminal 3.
• Starbucks International coffeehouse chain franchise partnership providing familiar coffee and beverage options to travelers at airports and travel plazas.
• Burger King International fast food chain franchise providing familiar fast food options at travel locations.
• McDonald's International fast food chain franchise offering familiar menu items at airports and travel plazas.
• Dunkin' Coffee and donut chain franchise offering coffee, pastries, and breakfast items to travelers.
• Subway International submarine sandwich chain franchise offering fresh sandwich options at travel locations.
• Pizza Hut International pizza chain franchise operated by Areas at select airports.
• Wendy's International fast food chain franchise operated at select airport locations.
• KFC International fried chicken chain franchise operated at select airport locations.
• Nathan's Famous Hot dog and fast food chain franchise known for its signature hot dogs, operated at select airport locations.
• Qdoba Mexican Grill Mexican-style fast food chain franchise offering burritos and tacos at select airport locations.
• Paul French bakery and café chain franchise offering pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
• La Place Restaurant brand that won 'Airport Health-Centered Offer of the Year' at FAB Awards 2024.

Quantifiable outcome

• Areas USA became the largest privately held travel hospitality company in the US after the December 2025 Delaware North acquisition, tripling in size to nearly 400 locations
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 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

Integration5 records

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and supporting.

• Delaware NorthcoreOthers · 2 December 2025Areas completed the acquisition of Delaware North's Travel Hospitality Services (THS) division in December 2025. The transaction added 237 outlets across 22 US airports, over 4,000 employees, and over $500 million in annual revenue. This made Areas USA the largest privately held travel hospitality company in the US. Delaware North CEOs (Jerry Jacobs Jr., Lou Jacobs, Charlie Jacobs) described Areas as 'a great cultural match.'
• Center ParcscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2025Areas took over F&B management at Center Parcs Nordborg Resort in Denmark (the first Center Parcs in Scandinavia, opening June 2025). Areas has been a strategic F&B partner of Center Parcs in Germany and France since 2010, operating 115 catering units in 13 leisure parks serving 8.7 million guests annually. The partnership also includes SPAR supermarket and Lagkagehuset bakery.
• AiFi, Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 13 March 2025AiFi, Inc. provides AI-powered computer vision technology for Areas' On Your Way fully automated stores. The technology tracks shoppers and recognizes products as they are selected, enabling automatic charging without manual checkout. Deployed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) in March 2025, integrated with Areas' Oracle point of sale system.
• Plug and PlaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2025Plug and Play, a global innovation platform based in Silicon Valley, collaborates with Areas on the 'Areas for Change Challenge' – an annual startup competition to source innovative sustainable solutions for the travel hospitality industry. The third edition was held in 2025, with winners in Upcycling (Krill Design), Energy Efficiency (The Predictive Company), and Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Water Bottles (RAIN).
• Krill Design (Milan-based startup)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2025Winner of the Upcycling category in the Areas for Change Challenge 2025 (third edition). Krill Design transforms organic waste (peels, coffee, seeds, shells) from food and beverage companies into biodegradable and compostable biopolymers via 3D printing. They will have the opportunity to develop a pilot program at an Areas point of sale.
• The Predictive Company (Barcelona-based startup)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2025Winner of the Energy Efficiency category in the Areas for Change Challenge 2025 (third edition). The Predictive Company developed an AI-based Energy Management System for personalized energy optimization and autonomous machinery control. They will develop a pilot at an Areas location.
• RAIN (US-based spring water company)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2025Winner of the Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Water Bottles category in the Areas for Change Challenge 2025 (third edition). RAIN offers spring water bottled at the source in the Appalachian Mountains in infinitely recyclable aluminum bottles. They will develop a pilot at an Areas location.
• Too Good To GosupportingOthers · 20 February 2025Too Good To Go partners with Areas to reduce food waste by offering last-minute surplus food at discounted prices through the app, as part of Areas' 'Heroes for Zero Waste' sustainability initiative.
• PhenixsupportingOthers · 20 February 2025Phenix partners with Areas for food waste reduction strategies, complementing Areas' circular economy and waste reduction programs under the 'Areas for Change' ESG strategy.
• IJRRobóticacoreTechnology or Integration · 31 January 2025IJRRobótica collaborated with AEV and Areas to develop SELF, the world's first AI-powered robotic restaurant in an airport. IJRRobótica provided the robotic arm engineering and AI systems. SELF opened at Barcelona-El Prat Airport in January 2025.
• AEVcoreTechnology or Integration · 31 January 2025AEV collaborated with IJRRobótica and Areas on the development of the SELF robotic restaurant. AEV contributed to the engineering of the robotic system and AI integration for the airport restaurant at Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
• MasterCardsupportingTechnology or Integration · 31 January 2025MasterCard collaborated as a strategic partner in the SELF robotic restaurant project, providing payment technology integration for the AI-powered restaurant at Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
• OraclecoreTechnology or Integration · 31 January 2025Oracle provides point of sale (POS) technology integrated into Areas' automated store operations, including the On Your Way concept at Atlanta Airport. The Oracle POS integration enables seamless, frictionless checkout across Areas' technology-enabled locations.
• KukasupportingTechnology or Integration · 31 January 2025Kuka provided robotics technology as part of the collaborative development of the SELF robotic restaurant at Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
• ICG (International Concession Group)supportingTechnology or Integration · 31 January 2025ICG collaborated as a strategic partner in the SELF robotic restaurant development, contributing to the AI and automation systems for the world's first AI-powered robotic restaurant in an airport.
• Mahou San MiguelsupportingOthers · 31 January 2025Mahou San Miguel collaborated as a strategic FMCG partner in the SELF robotic restaurant at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, providing beverage products and brand integration.
• Coca-ColasupportingOthers · 31 January 2025Coca-Cola collaborated as an FMCG brand partner in the SELF robotic restaurant development, providing beverage products and brand integration.
• Frit RavichsupportingOthers · 31 January 2025Frit Ravich partnered as an FMCG brand in the SELF robotic restaurant at Barcelona Airport, providing snack products.
• LavazzasupportingOthers · 31 January 2025Lavazza partnered as an FMCG brand in the SELF robotic restaurant project, providing coffee products.
• ClothinksupportingOthers · 31 January 2025Clothink designed uniforms for SELF restaurant staff using garments made from organic cotton, as part of Areas' sustainability commitment under the 'Areas for Change' strategy.
• GAC 3000supportingOthers · 31 January 2025GAC 3000 provided design and architecture services for the SELF robotic restaurant at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, contributing to the physical layout and interior design of the 137 sqm facility.
• Espluga + associatessupportingOthers · 31 January 2025Espluga + associates collaborated on the design and architecture of the SELF robotic restaurant at Barcelona Airport.
• Aena (Barcelona-El Prat Airport)coreOthers · 31 January 2025Aena is the operator of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, where Areas has its global headquarters and operates 23 outlets. Areas collaborated with Aena to open SELF, the world's first AI-powered robotic restaurant in an airport, at Terminal 1. Areas is also the largest concession operator at Madrid-Barajas Airport under Aena.
• Eatable AdventurescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 November 2023Eatable Adventures, one of the world's leading foodtech accelerators, collaborated with Areas on the first and second editions of the 'Areas for Change Challenge'. Selected startups from the challenge had the opportunity to work with Areas, access its international network, and develop pilot programs at Areas' locations.
• Michelin-starred chefs (Alejandro Duran, Alain Ducasse, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, Davide Oldani)supportingOthers · 20 February 2023Areas collaborates with Michelin-starred chefs including Alejandro Duran, Alain Ducasse, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and Davide Oldani to develop culinary concepts and elevate the dining experience at Areas' airport and travel locations. Antonino – Il banco di Cannavacciuolo won FAB Awards recognition in 2024.
• PATHsupportingOthers · 26 January 2023Areas and PATH partnership focuses on reducing carbon footprint and waste across Areas' operations, as part of the company's broader sustainability and environmental commitments.
• Red CrossminorOthers · 22 December 2022Areas partnered with the Red Cross to welcome Ukrainian refugees at airports, train stations, and motorway travel plazas, with Areas staff volunteering their time to support humanitarian efforts.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Sodexo: Paris-listed global food services and facilities management company with airport lounges, concession F&B, and corporate catering operations. Provides broader foodservice comparables for Areas' business model and margin profile.
• Delaware North: Buffalo-based hospitality and food service company that sold its Travel Hospitality Services (THS) division to Areas in December 2025. Continues to operate in gaming, sports hospitality, and parks — a counterparty and adjacent incumbent.
• Elior Group: Paris-listed contract foodservice group that was Areas' former parent before the 2019 PAI Partners buyout. Operates in contract catering, concession F&B, and related services across Europe, providing comparable contract food services infrastructure.
• Aramark: Philadelphia-based food services and uniform provider operating across sports, entertainment, business, and travel venues. Competes with Areas for select airport and travel hospitality F&B contracts in North America.
• Avolta (formerly Dufry + Autogrill): Swiss-listed global travel retail and F&B operator formed by the merger of Dufry and Autogrill. Competes broadly with Areas in duty-free, airport retail, and F&B concessions across major international hubs.

Direct peers

• HMSHost: Leading North American airport F&B concessionaire (a subsidiary of Avolta/Autogrill) operating thousands of restaurants at US airports. Directly competes with Areas USA at major hubs including many of the same airport authorities.
• SSP Group: London-listed global airport, rail station, and motorway F&B concession operator with presence in 35+ countries. Most direct competitor to Areas in airport F&B concessions and travel hospitality, with overlapping brand portfolios and concession bidding model.
• Lagardère Travel Retail: Paris-based global travel retail and foodservice concession operator with extensive airport presence. Competes directly with Areas for concession tenders and franchise partnerships in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
• Paradies Lagardère: Atlanta-based airport retail and dining operator (a Lagardère Travel Retail subsidiary) operating newsstands, specialty retail and F&B concepts at over 100 US airports. Direct competitor for airport concessions and franchise brand partnerships.

Others

• Center Parcs: European short-break leisure park operator and Areas' strategic F&B partner across Germany, France, and Denmark (Nordborg Resort opened June 2025). Adjacent ecosystem partner rather than direct competitor — relevant for understanding Areas' leisure destination expansion strategy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/areas-usa-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/areas.us/?hl=en

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries16 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 Areas, United States