Our Story
Star Concessions, Ltd., Is a Dallas-based company that has been in the
business of serving hungry travelers for more than two decades. Launched in February 1995 as Air Star Concessions, Ltd., we commenced operations at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). Today, Star Concessions is an award-winning operator of dining and retail concepts in nontraditional environments including airports, casinos, military installations and other special venues.
Our passion for this business comes from the top. As a teen, our President and Founder Gilbert Aranza worked as a night janitor in the restaurants of what is now George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH). Each night, he would finish his work early and decided to learn every role in the operations of Terminal A’s eateries, from baking and bussing to cooking and waiting tables.
Fast-forward to today and Mr. Aranza owns and operates a host of food, beverage and retail stores in that same Houston airport, as well as DFW Airport, Dallas Love Field and two U.S. military installations. In fact, Star Concessions, its affiliates and joint venture partners now generate over $125 million of revenue per year. All thanks to the dream of an enterprising young Mexican-American janitor from Texas
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Operations
Food & Beverage
Since our inception in 1995, Star Concessions and affiliates have become one of the largest food and beverage concession operators at DFW Airport —introducing more than 24 name-brand specialty retail stores and restaurants, currently including four Whataburger units, a full-service Cantina Laredo, a Pizza Hut Bar, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Trinity Groves restaurants Cake Bar and Kate Weiser Chocolate, 360 West Newsstand, and two Official Dallas Cowboys Pro Shops (in partnership with a Dallas Cowboys Football Club affiliate). And we’ve received more guest-service and white-glove cleanliness awards than any other DFW Airport concessionaire.
In partnership with HMS Host International, Inc., we also co-operate Sonny Bryan’s BBQ, Wing Stop and thirteen Starbucks units at DFW. Additionally, a Star Concessions affiliate operates a 5,800-sq.-ft. Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant in Terminal C.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
(through Air Star Concessions, Ltd.)
Star Concessions proudly operates a quick-service Whataburger at IAH. The legendary Texas favorite draws hungry travelers and airport employees alike to Terminal B for fresh, hot, great-tasting burgers.
Dallas Love Field Operations
(through Air Star Concessions, Ltd.)
Our Air Star subsidiary has operated food & beverage concessions at Dallas Love Field Airport since 1995. Current concepts include Whataburger, Chili’s, Cantina Laredo, Campisi’s Pizza, Maggiano's Little Italy, Hops & Grapes Mini-Bars, and the Dallas Cowboys Club — a sports bar owned in partnership with an affiliate of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club. These concepts are very high volume and most generate upwards of $90k per week in revenue.
In partnership with HMS Host International, we also co-operate six units at Love Field: Cool River Café, La Madeleine, two Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, and Paciugo Gelateria/Auntie Anne’s Pretzels.
Retail
Our automated Grab & Fly store located in DFW Airport’s new four-gate Terminal D Extension features Amazon’s revolutionary Just Walk Out technology. Customers simply swipe a credit card, walk in, grab a snack, magazine or souvenir, and go. Items are automatically charged to the customer’s card upon exiting the store.
In partnership with World Duty Free Group, our affiliates also own and operate Texas Monthly, Culture Map, and Wall Street Journal Newsstands, as well as a Longchamp handbag & accessories unit.
Additionally, Star Concessions operates two convenience store/service stations in partnership with a Dallas Cowboys affiliate: DFW Mart and Blue Star Mart. Located at the south and north airport entrances respectively, each features a convenience store, Whataburger restaurant and drive-thru, and a 20-pump Shell gas station, together totaling over 10,000 square feet.
New Projects In The Works
Casinos
Star Concessions is currently in negotiation with multiple Indian Nation casinos in Oklahoma and elsewhere.
Bakery
In 2022, Star Concessions added sweets to its savory menu with the addition of Park Cities Bakery. The bakery specializes in Scratch-Made Desserts, custom cookies and beautifully layered cakes for weddings and special events.
Commercial kitchen
Coming soon!
Military Operations
Through a partnership with Messrs. Cary Platt and Doug Hickok, our Military Restaurant Holdings subsidiary opened the first Chili's at a military installation at the Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk, VA in 2009. We have since opened a second Chili's at the Fort Hood Army Installation in Killeen, TX. We look forward to providing name-brand, full-service casual dining service to additional military branches throughout the U.S.
Stadium & Convention Center Operations
In 2000, Dallas Cowboys Football Club owner Jerry Jones selected Gilbert Aranza to operate the alcoholic beverage concession at Texas Stadium.
In 2012, the City of Dallas chose our joint-venture affiliate Centerplate/AHB, Ltd as food and beverage provider to the Dallas Convention Center — a contract previously held by an affiliate of Mr. Aranza and CenterPlate. Gross annual sales generated at the Dallas Convention Center range from $8-$12 million.