Hospitality company prepares multiple new airport debuts as athlete-led concepts continue gaining momentum across the country
Athlete Playmakers Group, an emerging force in airport hospitality, is reshaping how travelers experience terminals through athlete-led restaurant, bar, and retail concepts. Each venue channels the culture, energy, and identity of its host city directly into the gate area, turning what was once a stopover into a memorable part of the trip itself.
With several new openings on the calendar at major U.S. airports throughout 2026, Athlete Playmakers Group is continuing a rapid nationwide push. The company develops each venue in collaboration with well-known athletes, airport operators, and leading local partners. Every concept draws on the personal story, career arc, and food preferences of the athlete attached to it. The result is a roster of locations designed to feel grounded in the surrounding community rather than reading as interchangeable concession spaces.
“Today’s travelers expect more than convenience. They want experiences that are memorable, authentic, and exciting,” said Derek Missimo, Co-Founder of Athlete Playmakers Group. “We are creating hospitality concepts that capture the spirit of each city while delivering elevated food, beverage, and guest experiences that travelers genuinely connect with.”
“We founded Athlete Playmakers Group on the belief that airport restaurants can become destinations in their own right,” added Simon Bozas, Co-Founder. “Every concept blends premium hospitality, compelling storytelling, and the influence of legendary athletes to create experiences that stand apart.”
Athlete Playmakers Group first opened its doors at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Terminal C-37 with NBA legend “Dirk Nowitzki / Nowitzki.” That debut introduced a bold new model for athlete-anchored airport venues and set the template the company has carried forward. Soon after, the team rolled out a second location at Dallas Love Field, this time partnering with Dallas Stars hockey icon “Marty Turco / Turco35.”
Earlier this year, Athlete Playmakers Group unveiled “Simone Biles / Taste of Gold” at George Bush Intercontinental Airport alongside seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles. The concept honors the legacy, excellence, and global impact of one of the most decorated athletes of all time, translating her career into a hospitality experience that travelers can step into.
The most recent debut came at Norfolk International Airport, where Athlete Playmakers Group teamed up with Pro Football Hall of Famer, Buffalo Bills legend, and NFL all-time sack leader “Bruce Smith / 200 Sack Club.” The restaurant takes its shape from Smith’s football legacy and carries his iconic on-field identity directly into the terminal.
Taken together, these debuts illustrate the breadth of the Athlete Playmakers Group approach, spanning basketball, hockey, gymnastics, and football across airports in different regions of the country and giving each athlete partner a venue tied to their personal sporting identity.
Behind the scenes, Athlete Playmakers Group runs on more than a century of combined aviation and hospitality leadership. The senior bench includes Heather Peoples, Michael Uremovich, Ken Myers, Tom Fireoved, and Mark Brezinski. Together, these industry veterans have built a high-performance operating platform that has earned the trust of airport authorities, concession partners, and travelers across the country.
Looking forward, Athlete Playmakers Group plans to keep moving into top airport markets nationwide as part of its ongoing expansion strategy. The company also intends to pursue fresh hospitality, entertainment, and brand partnerships that further elevate the traveler experience and extend the reach of its athlete-driven concepts in the years ahead.
