HMSHost President and CEO Steve Johnson elected to the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors

Steve Johnson is among 60 industry professionals drawn from all facets of the foodservice business including the CEOs of award-winning restaurants HMSHost operates at airports across the country, including Lettuce Entertain You, Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, among other restaurateurs represented within the National Restaurant Association and its board.

“In my position with HMSHost, we’re innovating the entire airport dining environment, so I’m honored to be elected among my peers to serve in this position,” said HMSHost President and CEO Steve Johnson. “At HMSHost, we’ve elevated the overall travel dining experience with outstanding local, national, and proprietary restaurants, along with unique culinary events. I look forward to bringing the innovative thinking we’ve created at HMSHost to the association, furthering our shared mission of advancing the food service culture and business.”

“Guests expect a quality dining experience whether they are at their favorite hometown restaurant or traveling across the country. Steve’s knowledge of the foodservice industry and the changing dynamics of customer needs will bring a valuable perspective to our Board of Directors,” said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.

“Steve’s leadership at HMSHost will greatly benefit the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors. As we approach the association’s 100th anniversary, Steve’s innovative ideas and unique insights will help us set the table for another 100 years of success. We look forward to his participation,” said Jay Stieber, Chairman of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors.

HMSHost operates food and beverage locations in more than 120 airports around the globe, as well as at more 100 travel plazas on motorways throughout the U.S. and Canada. Steve Johnson joined HMSHost in 2000 and has headed the growth and development of the company’s business, leading the winning and extending of major airport and motorway contracts, as well as the enhancement of HMSHost’s award-winning restaurant portfolio of more than 300 brands, including new proprietary concepts, and new international, national and local brand partnerships. To further the company’s commitment to culinary excellence, Steve signed HMSHost on as the first corporate sponsor of the prestigious James Beard Awards Gala, helping spearhead the relocation of the awards gala to the culinary mecca of Chicago.