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Plazas offer drivers welcomed reprieve with diverse food, entertainment and
technology options
BUFFALO, N.Y., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on a successful 65-year
history as a leading food, beverage and retail operator in airports, Delaware
North Companies Travel Hospitality Services is expanding its influence in the
travel industry to include travel plazas. In late 2005 the company was
awarded a 13-year, three-month contract by the New York State Thruway
Authority to operate four travel plazas along the Governor Thomas E. Dewey
Thruway, a 641-mile superhighway transporting more than 210 million passenger
and 28 million commercial vehicles each year. Delaware Norths operations are
set to begin in October.
In addition to connecting the states two largest cities, New York City
and Buffalo, the New York State Thruway makes direct connections with the
Connecticut and Massachusetts turnpikes, New Jerseys Garden State Parkway and
other major expressways leading to the Midwest and Canada. It is also the
largest continuous toll-road system in the world.
There are currently 27 travel plazas located along the Thruway, and
Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services bid on, and won, four
plazas included in the fall request for proposal process: Pembroke and
Scottsville Plazas located on I-90 eastbound; Seneca and Clarence Plazas,
located on I-90 westbound. All of the plazas are open 24 hours a day.
"Delaware North has long been recognized as a leader in food, beverage and
retail operations, and we believe that by expanding our travel hospitality
reach from airports to include travel plazas, we have a strong opportunity to
grow our business," said Brian Lacey, vice president of business development
with Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services. "We look forward
to providing food and retail items in a fresh, clean environment to the
millions of people traveling along the New York State Thruway. Travelers will
be able to find many of their favorite brands and offerings, such as Tim
Hortons, Fuddruckers, and Arbys. Well also introduce western New York to
established brands not previously found in the area including: Villa Pizza,
Greenleafs Salads, and Bananas, where travelers can get fresh-fruit
smoothies. This is yet another way we can enhance the travel experience for
the consumer."
Each plaza will feature a variety of dining and retail options, vending
machines and entertainment. All four of the plazas will also be equipped with
WiFi, enabling commuters and travelers the opportunity to conduct business on
the go.
About Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services
Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, a subsidiary of
Delaware North Companies, is one of the nations leading airport food service
and retail companies, operating 300 restaurants and retail outlets in more
than 25 airports worldwide, serving more than 350 million customers each year.
The GuestPath(R) customer service training program ensures that all Delaware
North Companies Travel Hospitality Services associates follow the companys
vision of "Providing Care and Comfort to People Away from Home."
About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the worlds leading hospitality and
food service providers. Its family of companies includes Delaware North
Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment,
Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies
Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International, TD Banknorth Garden,
Delta Queen Steamboat Company and American Park n Swap. Delaware North
Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States
with annual revenues approaching $2 billion and 40,000 associates serving half
a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom,
Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit
http://www.DelawareNorth.com .
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