Airport Experience® News - Food & Beverage Issue 2026

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22 Culinary Considerations Traveler demands are evolving, and

concessionaires are pivoting their offerings to meet those changing needs. Find out the latest in airport dining, from the perspectives of some of the industry’s most prominent culinary directors. 30 Bar Attractions The airport bar – whether stand-alone or part of a restaurant – has always been a staple offering popular with travelers. Now, with beverage alcohol consumption declining, operators are tweaking their programs to meet evolving needs. 36 Fresh Food, Automated A new wave of airport vending machines are serving hot, fresh foods – often from branded restaurants. The expansion means airports can better meet traveler needs long after in line eateries have shut their doors. 40 Holograms, Robots Engage Travelers Engaging travelers and meeting their needs is an overarching goal in virtually every North American airport. Increasingly, those needs are being addressed, at least partially, through holograms and robots.

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6 Letter From The Editor 8 Data Check

Restaurant operators are willing to invest in new technologies, but focus on cost control or profit advancement goals, new data from Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Business shows. 12 Latest Buzz Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is investing more than $1 billion to modernize its terminal and related facilities. 16 Director’s Chair

44 In The Spotlight North American airport concessionaires face myriad challenges – everything from sky-high labor costs to “overdevelopment” of airport terminals. Andrew Weddig, executive director of the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA), shared the organization’s priorities in an interview with AXN’s Carol Ward.

47 Advertising Index 48 Before You Take Off

Terry Blue, president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, shares updates on a terminal modernization project Memphis International Airport.

The “Moments” campaign at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport brought personal memories of airports moments into the public eye.

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AX NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2026