Paradies Lagardère — the travel retailer and restaurateur that handles $1.5 billion in annual sales from more than 700 stores, restaurants, and bars in more than 90 airports across North America — remains committed to investing in the communities of the airports it serves.
With its corporate headquarters based in Atlanta, the company supports many causes in its backyard. Almost a decade ago, the company focused on nonprofits supporting children and their families, the military, and tackling food insecurity. In doing so, they work with programs such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, local food banks, elementary schools, and more.
Once per quarter, employees at all levels—from hourly associates to executive leadership—collaborate to volunteer at Atlanta Community Food Bank. Each volunteer day provides thousands of meals for families in need. In addition to showing up to volunteer, Paradies Lagardère sponsors many causes, including the City of Atlanta’s Pride Reception and the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Fund.
In June 2023, Paradies Lagardère adopted William M. Boyd Elementary School in Atlanta, supporting the students by donating school supplies, cheering them on as they walked into their first day of school, providing lunches for teachers, and visiting classrooms to read to students. Members of the executive team are planning another visit in March.
Jeff Flowers, senior vice president of operations at Paradies Lagardère, has been on the Make-A-Wish Foundation board for eight years, serving this year as vice chair. The organization’s Georgia Chapter grants about 480 wishes each year, including taking a child to the Super Bowl, Disney World, or Hawaii. “To see a true wish reveal is pretty magical,” Flowers says.
As a Platinum partner of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Paradies Lagardère sponsors one full wish each year and contributes funds to help 15 other wishes in Georgia. Throughout its sponsorship, Paradies Lagardère has helped sponsor more than 75 wishes. Because travel dining and retail is the company’s specialty, it donates items that children can use while they are traveling and also will host the Make-A-Wish family at the airport by greeting the family at the gate, hosting them in a private room with snacks and games to help ease the stress of travel, and assisting them through the airport to start their adventure. Paradies Lagardère team members across the US and Canada also participate in the annual Walk for Wishes to raise money to grant wishes for children coping with serious medical conditions. Previously, the company had over 700 employees participate.
Paradies Lagardère has developed the PEPS program at the corporate level to guide its social responsibility efforts. Standing for Planet, Ethics, People, and Social, PEPS paves the way for a sustainable future through carbon footprint reduction, ethical business practices, an equitable and inclusive work environment, and a commitment to community engagement. PEPS is a global program created by the company’s parent organization, Lagardère Travel Retail, based in Paris.
Each team also chooses its own designated charity and gets involved with other nonprofits on the local level. At the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Paradies Lagardère team members joined forces with the airport fire department to collect toys for Toys for Tots during the holidays. The Paradies Lagardère team at George Bush Intercontinental Airport supports the Housing, Entrepreneurship, and Readiness Training (HEART) Program. This Houston-based nonprofit creates structured employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Because we have a footprint in airports across North America, we can make a difference in the communities we serve through our partnerships,” says Gregg Paradies, CEO of Paradies Lagardère. “Our dedication to service goes beyond our employees and customers, and it is our responsibility to support our communities where we can.”
About Paradies Lagardère
Paradies Lagardère is a travel retailer and restaurateur that handles $1.5 billion in annual sales from more than 700 stores, restaurants, and bars in more than 90 airports across North America. Specializing in three airport concessions areas – Travel Essentials, Specialty Retail, and Dining with expertise in international, national, and local brands – Paradies Lagardère’s commitment to exceptional customer service, superior design, and award-winning retail and restaurant operations has earned the company numerous accolades, including Best Airport Retailer for 27 consecutive years and Best Brand Restaurateur by Airport Experience News. For more information, visit paradieslagardere.com.
