Food Service Vendor Loses Contract at SRQ Airport, Resulting in Nearly 100 Job Cuts

HMSHost, a suburban Washington, D.C. company specializing in food services across the U.S. and Canada, is set to lay off nearly 100 employees at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

The layoff notice was posted Wednesday on Florida's Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification (WARN) database. According to the posting, 97 jobs will be cut starting August 31.

These positions fall within the accommodations and food services sectors.

Under federal law, companies must provide WARN notices to states when planning significant job cuts.

While a detailed letter to the state was not immediately available, a spokesperson for the Bethesda, Maryland-based company confirmed the layoffs in an email.

"The concessions contract is transitioning to a new operator," the spokesperson stated. "HMSHost is working with the new operator to ensure our team members will be offered continued employment as positions become available."

The new operator has not been disclosed. However, at a Longboat Key event in February, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport’s president and CEO, Rick Piccolo, mentioned that future projects would include new concessions and shops. Among those mentioned were Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Shops at Siesta Key, the Salty Key, and Motorworks Brewing.

According to a fact sheet on its website, HMSHost operates in 80 airports and is an "industry leader and expert in food and beverage operations for travel venues." Their portfolio includes local and national brands as well as specialty and proprietary brands.

HMSHost also operates in several other Florida airports, including Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers and Tampa International Airport.