An artist’s rendering of the planned Starbucks store at Sofia Airport | Photo credit: SOF Connect

SSP Group will open its first food and beverage units in Bulgaria next year after winning a contract to operate 12 outlets at Sofia Airport.  
 

The agreement will see UK-based SSP Group develop a modern food court area at Bulgaria’s largest transport hub, with the first Starbucks and Camden Food Co. units scheduled to open in early 2025. 

The travel concession operator also open licensed Burger King and TGI Fridays outlets, as well as introduce more of its proprietary brands, including café chains Upper Crust and Soul & Grain, during later phases of the development. 

“Our strong and innovative range of bespoke, local, and international brands and cutting-edge design, as well as our understanding of the needs of international and local passengers, will enable us to create an environment that captures the true spirit of hospitality and heritage that is so much a part of Bulgarian culture. These magnificent bars, restaurants and cafés will cement our reputation in this important new market,” said George Antoniou, Managing Director, SSP Eastern Europe and Middle East. 

Jesus Caballero, CEO of SOF Connect – the operator of Sofia Airport, said the partnership with SSP Group will enhance the passenger experience and support the site’s development as a ‘5-star regional airport’. 
 

SSP Group currently operates 2,900 food and beverage travel hub outlets across 38 markets globally, after commencing operations in Italy in 2023 and New Zealand earlier this year. 

In May 2024, the business signed a joint venture agreement with Indonesian food and beverage operator PT Taurus Gemilang (TG Group) to manage 13 airport concession units – its first operations in the Southeast Asian market.