New Tastes of Indiana Coming to Indy Airport as Part of Concessions Refresh

New food, new beverage and new Indy-focused dining experiences will be coming to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), following the Indianapolis Airport Authority Board vote to approve six new contracts at the terminal.

The vote took place during the monthly board meeting and marks the second round of approvals the Indy airport has made as part of its Concessions Refresh initiative that launched in 2016 to address the pending expiration of 43 existing retailer, services, and food and beverage contracts. The newly approved food and beverage vendors will provide local brands and products, reflecting the changes in culture and community of Indianapolis and the state. Since the Indy airport opened its new terminal doors 10 years ago, local culinary has been nationally recognized and the new vendors are a strong representation of the award-winning Indy food and beverage scene.

The selected food and beverage operators were chosen from a field of 16 entities that responded to the Indy airport’s solicitation and represent some of the top trending national, regional and local brands.

“Today is yet another culmination of our discussions over the past three years with diverse business vendors, which has resulted in a good mix of locally owned and local products to provide a customer experience that reflects the taste and culture of Indianapolis,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez.

The six contracts will bring 19 distinct locations of new or expanded food and beverage concepts to the Indy airport, representing a 50 percent increase in local brand representation, a 100 percent increase in food and beverage concepts that represent the Indianapolis culture, and a 300 percent increase in diverse business participation.

“The Concessions Refresh initiative, in total, will include a three-year phased construction plan ensuring airport passengers and guests have access to the products and services they need while traveling,” said Marsha Stone, IAA senior director of commercial enterprise.

One of the contracts was awarded to global restaurateur HMSHost who will operate 10 Indianapolis International Airport dining locations under a 10-year contract valued at approximately $147 million. HMSHost’s new dining locations with Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program partners VDV Concessions and Diversified Concessions Group will deliver the spirit and excitement of the Hoosier state to the airport.

“We are truly excited to create a reflection of Indianapolis in the airport through authentic dining experiences,” said HMSHost President & CEO Steve Johnson. “HMSHost thanks the Indianapolis Airport Authority and is proud to have this opportunity to serve its travelers with some of the most innovative and popular local and national brands that people love, including Indianapolis’ first Shake Shack restaurant.”

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New Local Concepts and Local Products

Indiana-based restaurants like Sun King Brewery, Bub’s Burgers, HotBox Pizza, Social Cantina, Tinker Coffee, Ben’s Soft Pretzels and the Stacked Pickle will show-off their Hoosier culinary ingenuity at the Indy airport and present travelers with a taste of Indiana. The award-winning Harry and Izzy’s will expand their existing concepts as part of this wave of new contracts, and key locations will provide locally sourced products, such as The Farmers’ Market, Indiana Pacers Courtside Club and Circle City Beer Garden.

The Farmers’ Market created in partnership with Indiana Grown (the local food-branding initiative for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture) will provide passengers local farm-to-table options, delivering a concept similar to that of the Indianapolis City Market.

Nationally Recognized Brands

New dining concepts like Shake Shack, Bento Sushi, and Starbucks will provide travelers a recognizable brand. Starbucks will expand their existing concepts in new locations at the Indy airport, with another option for a coffee fix in a brand new location in Baggage Claim with a combination Circle City News store.

SSP America will open Bub’s Burgers, HotBox Pizza, The Farmer’s Market, Sun King Brewery and Bento Sushi and expand the iconic Harry and Izzy’s dining location. HMSHost will open Ben’s Soft Pretzel’s, Indiana Pacers Courtside Club, Circle City Beer Garden, Shake Shack, adjust multiple Starbucks locations with a combination Starbucks/Circle City News. OHM Group will open the Social Cantina, Tinker Coffee and the Stacked Pickle.

These news concepts are strategically located throughout the airport based on passenger feedback, a multi-year research project, and industry standards. Balancing pre- and post-security food and beverage options was a priority during this round of contracts.

Concourse A will become home to Bub’s Burgers, Bento Sushi, the Stacked Pickle, and the Social Cantina, as well as the expanded Harry and Izzy’s concept. Concourse B will house Shake Shack, Sun King Brewery, and The Farmers’ Market.

Tinker Coffee and Starbucks will be located in both Concourse A and B and Civic Plaza, while a new Starbucks/Circle City News location will open in Baggage Claim. Civic Plaza will showcase HotBox Pizza, Indiana Pacers Courtside Club and Circle City Beer Garden.