The opening of the popular convenience store inside Los Angeles International Airport is thanks to a 100% minority-owned business that has been operating in airports for 20 years.
JDDA Concessions Management debuted at LAX with its first concept, Chicken Guy!, at Bradley West Gates in May 2023.
Jason Yoo, JDDA Concessions Management CEO, sought to bring 7-Eleven back to LAX after seeing the brand excel in the airport environment. He is optimistic the store will be a key concept in the arrivals area catering to travelers, employees, and meeters-and-greeters.
“7-Eleven sets the standard for convenience retail, and we’re thrilled to bring this popular brand to Terminal 1, providing a trusted and familiar experience for LAX guests, employees, and meeters-and-greeters,” said, URW LAX Vice President Maral Matossian. “We are equally proud to expand our partnership with JDDA Concession Management Inc., a 100% minority-owned operator, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to fostering small, local, and diverse business participation at LAX.”
From his start in airports, Yoo pursued becoming an Airport Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) operator. He knew being an ACDBE operator would provide more opportunities as he looked to expand in airports.
Andrew Yoo, Jason’s son, and JDDA Management Vice President, attributes the company’s success to his father’s persistence and perseverance, qualities he developed as a first-generation Korean immigrant.
“My dad has always worked to build a legacy of empowerment by helping to bring other ACDBE companies to the airport,” Andrew Yoo said. “He is an educator, advocate, and mentor who appreciates and values small businesses. As an entrepreneur who has expanded to new industries, he knows the importance of support and is grateful for the airport business community.”
Yoo advises entrepreneurs looking to get into airports to start by setting goals, understanding how to operate in an airport, and pursuing an ACDBE certification. He notes the importance of capital and the expense of operating within an airport.
Yoo started in airports at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport where his company provided janitorial services and soon began work in concessions.
Leaning on his strong business background, Yoo knew it was important to partner with an experienced operator to start in airports. He began by partnering with SSP London which resulted in the formation of SSP America.
Along with SSP America, they managed and operated 26 brands in Houston including many popular fast-food establishments. JDDA soon expanded and currently operates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and the University of Illinois Chicago.
