Photo Courtesy: Marissa Casasola
Dallas, Texas – May 22, 2026 – Athlete Playmakers Group (APG), a hospitality company that develops athlete-partnered restaurant, bar, and retail concepts inside U.S. airports, now operates across four major airport locations following the recent debut of its newest concept at Norfolk International Airport. The company is also preparing for additional openings in 2026, which are expected to extend its presence into new airport markets across the country.
The Norfolk launch introduced the “200 Sack Club,” a restaurant developed in collaboration with Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Smith. The concept was designed to reflect his football career and his ties to the local community. With this addition, APG now operates concepts that span markets in Texas, Virginia, and the greater Houston region.
A Portfolio Built Through Local and Athlete Partnerships
APG’s current portfolio includes four operating concepts. Each location was developed with input from the partnered athlete and local collaborators in an effort to align the look, menu, and storytelling with the surrounding region:
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Norfolk International Airport (Virginia): The “200 Sack Club,” developed with former NFL defensive end Bruce Smith.
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston, Texas): “Taste of Gold,” developed with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.
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Dallas Love Field (Texas): “Turco35,” developed with former Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco.
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Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Texas): The “Nowitzki” concept, developed with former NBA player Dirk Nowitzki, is located in Terminal C-37 and serves as the company’s first opening.
The company has worked with airport authorities and concession partners at each location to integrate the concepts within existing terminal operations.
Photo Courtesy: Marissa Casasola
Co-Founders Share the Thinking Behind the Model
Speaking on the company’s broader approach, Simon Bozas, Co-Founder of Athlete Playmakers Group, said the model is built on a specific belief about what airport dining can be.
“We founded Athlete Playmakers Group on the belief that airport restaurants can become destinations in their own right,” Bozas said. “Every concept blends premium hospitality, compelling storytelling, and the influence of legendary athletes to create experiences that stand apart in today’s travel landscape.”
Co-Founder Derek Missimo added that the company views guest expectations as a driver behind its design choices.
“Today’s travelers expect more than convenience; they want experiences that are memorable, authentic, and exciting,” Missimo said. “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.”
Operating Team Backing the Growth
The company’s operating platform is overseen by an executive team that includes Heather Peoples, Michael Uremovich, Ken Myers, Tom Fireoved, and Mark Brezinski. Their combined background spans the aviation and hospitality sectors, and they support APG’s day-to-day operations, partnership development, and ongoing coordination with airport authorities.
Photo Courtesy: Marissa Casasola
What Is Planned for 2026
In addition to its current portfolio, APG has confirmed that multiple new openings are planned for 2026 at major U.S. airports. While specific locations and partner details have not yet been disclosed, the company has indicated that future concepts will continue to follow its model of partnering with athletes and local collaborators to develop airport hospitality spaces tied to each city’s identity. Updates on individual concepts and locations are expected to be shared as opening dates approach.
About Athlete Playmakers Group
Athlete Playmakers Group develops restaurant, bar, and retail concepts inside U.S. airports through partnerships with athletes and local collaborators. The company’s locations are designed to combine food and beverage service with sports culture and storytelling tied to the city in which each airport is located. APG currently operates four concepts, with additional openings scheduled at major U.S. airports throughout 2026.
Media Contact
Company Name: Athlete Playmakers
Contact Person: Marissa Casasola
Email: Send Email
Phone: 214-206-7152
Country: United States
Website: https://theplaymakersgroup.com/
