Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group has agreed a partnership with to operate Jamie’s Italian restaurants at airports across France, Germany, Switzerland and Holland.
The first two restaurants are scheduled to open at Terminal 2 of Nice Airport in 2017.
Simon Blagden, chief executive of Jamie’s Italian, said: “We’re delighted to be working with SSP. As F&B operators in the travel sector they are held in very high regard and we have found their team to be an accomplished partner to work with. We believe Jamie’s Italian will appeal to all passenger groups and we’re now looking forward to working towards our first opening in Nice.”
Kate Swann, chief executive of SSP, said: “At SSP, we partner with leading brands across a range of categories, and we firmly believe in working with the best in the business. Jamie Oliver’s reputation is outstanding, and we are delighted to be able to bring the hugely successful Jamie’s Italian brand to our clients and customers.”
The Jamie’s Italian at Nice airport will be designed with three distinct zones, a table-service restaurant, a bar and a “grab and go” area. There will also be a coffee offer landside.
Jamie’s Italian is looking to ramp up its presence in Europe after signing a deal earlier this month to open in Belgium, Holland and Germany.
The company, which currently operates 16 sites overseas, has signed an agreement with Italian company Food Concepts to aid its expansion on the continent.
The first site under the joint venture will open in the Markthal in Rotterdam this autumn.
Oliver said: “I am happy to be cooperating with these brilliant guys to open restaurants in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. It is a creative team with a lot of talent. I can’t wait to get started.”
The company recently secured its first restaurant site in New Zealand in the city of Wellington.
Earlier this year the group said it would limit UK expansion plans for its Jamie’s Italian brand to focus on international rollout.
