Employee Spotlight: Perry Kranias celebrates 25 years of hospitality at TPA

When Perry Kranias walked into Tampa International Airport for his first day of work in January 2001, he couldn’t have imagined that he’d still be here 25 years later. This month, he celebrates a quarter century at TPA and now oversees 16 restaurant locations as Senior Director of Operations for HMSHost by Avolta.

“Honestly, I can’t believe it’s been 25 years,” Perry said. “Once you’re in an airport, it’s a fun job. You’re learning new things every day. It’s always changing—and it’s good changing.”

From Coffee Kiosk to Senior Director

Perry began his Airport career managing a Starbucks location, one of the first in all of Florida, at one of TPA's original Airsides. At the time he says, Starbucks was still a novelty. “Back then the stores were small, almost like little kiosks,” he recalled. “It was amazing watching travelers discover the brand.”

After his start at Starbucks, Perry managed the Airport’s Chili’s Too restaurant at Airside C before moving up through the ranks: Assistant Director in 2010, Director in 2015, and Senior Director of Operations today. HMSHost, now part of Avolta, operates all of the Airport’s Starbucks locations and many of the restaurants travelers know and love at Tampa International Airport—including P.F. Chang’s, Columbia, Pei Wei, Cigar City Brewing, Gasparilla Bar, and Burger 21.

A Career Built on Listening and Teamwork

With dozens of managers and hundreds of employees spread across multiple Airsides, Perry’s leadership style centers on collaboration.

“There’s a way to get to everything,” he said. “Take it in, listen, and work with your team. You can make anything work.”

He explained that managing in an airport environment means balancing many voices—the brands, the Aviation Authority, the parent company, and of course, the guests.

“You have to find a happy medium,” he said. “Listening is key— not just to customers, but to your own people.”

Seeing TPA Through 25 Years of Change

Perry’s perspective on Tampa International Airport stretches back to a time before TSA, through expansions, renovations, and Super Bowls. He’s seen celebrities, from Leonardo DiCaprio to Paris Hilton, pass through the Airport, and he still finds excitement in the daily bustle.

“Every day is different. Every week goes by quick,” he said. “You meet people from everywhere, hear their stories, and it never gets old.”

Perry is also known at TPA for his big heart and community involvement. He and the team at HMSHost are frequently recognized for their various community initiatives and have been strong supporters of TPA’s 5K on the Runway since its inception 13 years ago.

Roots in Hospitality — and in Family

Born in Chicago to Greek immigrant parents, Perry moved to Florida after the blizzard of 1979.

“My family wanted to escape the cold,” he laughed. “They operated restaurants, and growing up, I thought I didn’t want to be in the restaurant business, but it’s what I knew.”

After earning a degree from the University of South Florida, Perry briefly worked in accounting before returning to his hospitality roots and joining HMSHost.

“I realized I liked being around people more than numbers,” he said.

Outside of work, Perry and his wife have raised four children, three of whom are now in college and one in high school. The family has always been active in youth soccer and now enjoys traveling together.

“We’ve been to Greece, of course, and recently checked Hawaii off our bucket list,” Perry says. “Now we’re making trips to California, where our son will be going to work for Apple.”

A Place That Feels Like Home

After visiting other airports across the country, Perry feels that TPA still stands apart.

“Every time I go to another airport, I come back with appreciation,” he said. “Managers we send out to help elsewhere always say, ‘Wow, we have the best airport.’ The people here are friendly, and there’s such pride in what we do.”

And if HMSHost ever asked him to transfer? Perry doesn’t hesitate: “I’d prefer to stay here,” he said. “This airport is home.”