Athlete Playmakers Group is quickly becoming a recognized name in airport hospitality by rethinking what travelers can expect from a terminal stop. The company designs athlete-led restaurant, bar, and retail concepts that channel the culture, energy, and identity of each destination city straight into the airport setting.
A series of debuts at major U.S. airports is on the calendar for 2026, marking the next stage in the nationwide growth story of Athlete Playmakers Group. Each immersive hospitality destination comes together through partnerships with iconic athletes, airport operators, and leading local collaborators. The starting point for every venue is the athlete at its center, with the space shaped around that person’s life story, playing career, and personal tastes. The end result is a portfolio of locations that feel rooted in their host cities 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.”
The first chapter for Athlete Playmakers Group opened at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Terminal C-37, where the company launched in tandem with NBA legend “Dirk Nowitzki / Nowitzki.” That initial venue introduced a bold new model for athlete-driven airport hospitality and put the operating playbook into action. Not long after, a second concept followed at Dallas Love Field, this time built around Dallas Stars icon “Marty Turco / Turco35.”
Earlier this year, Athlete Playmakers Group introduced “Simone Biles / Taste of Gold” at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in partnership with 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, giving travelers a way to step into a setting shaped by her career.
The newest addition is at Norfolk International Airport, where Athlete Playmakers Group rolled out a dynamic new restaurant concept featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer, Buffalo Bills legend, and NFL all-time sack leader “Bruce Smith / 200 Sack Club.” Built around his iconic football legacy, the location brings Smith’s playing identity directly into the everyday flow of the terminal.
Viewed side by side, the openings reflect the breadth of athlete partners Athlete Playmakers Group works with, covering basketball, hockey, gymnastics, and football, and they reinforce how each venue takes its character from the person it celebrates.
Operationally, Athlete Playmakers Group runs on more than a century of combined aviation and hospitality leadership. The senior team includes Heather Peoples, Michael Uremovich, Ken Myers, Tom Fireoved, and Mark Brezinski. Together, these industry leaders have built a high-performance operating platform that has earned the trust of airport authorities, concession partners, and travelers nationwide.
Looking down the road, Athlete Playmakers Group plans to keep moving into major airport markets across the country while pursuing new hospitality, entertainment, and brand partnerships that further elevate the traveler experience. The continued growth signals a long runway ahead for athlete-driven concepts inside the nation’s busiest terminals.
