Who we are
Founded by Peter Butts in 1971, Airport Retail Enterprises (ARE) began as a news agency at Perth Airport and has since grown into a leading food and beverage operator. We were pioneers in Australian airports, introducing freshly cooked meals, fine dining experiences with world-renowned chefs, freshly ground coffee, and innovative Food & Beverage brands in food courts. These efforts have significantly transformed the airport dining experience in Australia.
In 2016, ARE expanded into the UK, opening Grain Store Café & Bar at Gatwick Airport in partnership with celebrity chef Bruno Loubet.
Despite being forced to close our only UK site during the pandemic due to closure of the terminal, we have since gone from strength to strength. In May 2021, we opened our first UK site coming out of the COVID pandemic – Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen at Terminal 2 in London's Heathrow Airport. And we haven't stopped there, our growth has been supercharged and we have built an exceptional team of experts leading our business.
Our UK timeline
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2016
ARE expanded into the UK, opening Grain Store Café & Bar at Gatwick Airport in partnership with celebrity chef Bruno Loubet.
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May 2021
Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen at Terminal 2, London Heathrow Airport.
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June 2022
Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen at London Luton Airport.
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July 2022
2 more sites at London Heathrow — The Oceanic (Terminal 3) and The Globe (Terminal 5).
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March 2023
Italian restaurant and bar Nolito at London Luton Airport.
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June 2023
Australian crafted coffee concept Avalon at London Luton Airport.
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February 2024
Mexican brand Benito's at London Luton Airport.
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May 2024
Pizza Express at London Gatwick Airport.
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June 2024
Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen at London Gatwick Airport.
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February 2026
Great Northern Market at Manchester Airport, Terminal 2.
John and Hayley Butts
ARE expanded rapidly in Australia, adding 20 new sites after COVID, for a total of over 70 outlets. In 2022, our founder, Peter Butts, was honored with the Career Achievement Award at the Australian Airports Association Awards.
In 2024, we sold our Australian business to SSP to focus entirely on the UK market. Now led by Peter's son, John, and his wife, Hayley, ARE is still family-owned and operates 12 sites in the UK, with more on the way.
