You May See Fewer Starbucks Coffee Shops at U.S. Airports: Here’s Why
Photo Credit: HMSHost no longer has an exclusive agreement with Starbucks for U.S. airports. Encompass Building Group
Skift Take
Airports are welcome to prefer local businesses, but they should also understand Starbucks has a loyal following and should remain in terminals. When it's 5 a.m., and you're at an unfamiliar airport and you just want your reliable coffee fix, Starbucks is often the best bet.
You soon may see fewer Starbucks stores at U.S. airports, after HMSHost, which operates all of the roughly 400 terminal locations nationwide, severed its nearly 30-year-old exclusivity agreement with the famous coffee chain.
Since 1991, HMSHost has been the only concession company that could partner with Starbucks at U.S. airports. Starbucks has been a boon for business, with some airports choosing HMSHost to operate many of their food and beverage outlets because they wanted the iconic coffee company. But interests change, and in recent years, Starbucks hasn't been the draw fo
