The restaurants represent the latest step in the airport’s efforts to enhance the passenger experience as part of its YOW+ programme, a multi-year terminal enhancement initiative launched in 2019. YOW+ includes a re-imagined airport concession programme, and SSP Canada was tasked with creating new restaurant spaces and introducing local brands alongside tried and true airport brands.
“It’s been years in the making, but we are truly delighted to offer our passengers more choice, local treasures, and SSP Canada’s signature ‘taste of place’ at YOW,” said Mark Laroche, Ottawa International Airport Authority president and CEO. “Early results confirm that travellers are embracing our iconic brands and loving the bright, beautiful spaces SSP has recently brought to life. And there is more to come!”
The majority of the concepts can be found within a newly developed food court area called Marché du Canal or Canal Market Hall and include quick casual pizza and burger concepts, as well as: Bridgehead Coffee, the first chain in Canada to offer consumers ‘fairly traded’ coffee; La Bottega: a popular Ottawa Italian grocer; Bento Sushi; and local favourite Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery.
With the opening of the Ottawa restaurants, SSP now operates in nine Canadian airports.
