Airport Experience® News - Pre-Conference Issue 2026

BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF

SNACKING STARDOM Audrey’s Popcorn Pops Into Texas Airports

BY DAVID GORDON

Biagas noted that what sets Audrey apart is her drive and energy. “Audrey has a lot of tenacity and spunk,” Biagas said. “She’s determined to succeed, so is committed to doing what’s needed to help her product be successful in the airport environment.” As for flavor? Biagas gives it high marks. “First, Audrey’s Popcorn is delicious,” she said. “But we also carry local popcorn in many of our Hudson stores and know travelers love to buy popcorn as a snack and a way to get a taste of the community.” Local Spotlight One major reason Audrey’s Popcorn was a good fit for Hudson is its potential to shine in the company’s in-store tasting events, which give airport guests a chance to sample and interact with regional brands. “We offer our local brands the opportunity to promote their products at our ‘Meet the Local Makers’ events at our DFW Hudson stores, and I knew Audrey would shine,” Biagas said. “She comes ready with samples and lots of personality. She walks the terminals and leads people to the store and her product. She’s what makes her product successful in this competitive environment.” Audrey herself sees a wide-open lane for the brand. “There’s no Coca-Cola of gourmet popcorn,” she said. “There’s a lot of regional brands, but no Coca-Cola, so we can be that.” The early response has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Biagas. “When people hear her story, especially from Audrey directly, they want to be a part of it,” she said. “For travelers, there’s a personal, emotional connection.” Audrey’s vision doesn’t have limits. “We’re going to get into a bunch of other stores,” she said. “All through Texas and the neighboring states.” When asked what she wants airport leaders to know about working with small, growing brands like hers, Audrey keeps it simple: “Just to really try it, and see how it sells.”

ravelers in parts of Texas have a new local snack to try. Audrey’s Popcorn, a bright, craveable brand launched

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by a young Texas entrepreneur, is now on store shelves. At just 12 years old, Audrey Harrison is proving that age is no barrier to entry in the competitive world of airport retail. Harrison’s colorful bags of gourmet popcorn are now featured in Hudson stores at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) airports, thanks to a mix of hustle, charm and a big vision for snack aisle representation. Turning Heads Bridget Biagas, vice president of business development for Hudson , met Audrey at an outreach event hosted by DFW. She immediately took note of the young entrepreneur’s confidence. “When I met Audrey and she gave her elevator pitch, I was highly impressed and immediately interested in bringing her product to our DFW stores,” Biagas said. “It was not only a wonderful opportunity to champion a young entrepreneur but also

Top: Texas 12-year-old entrepreneur Audrey Harrison has landed a deal with Hudson, which will carry Audrey’s Popcorn in select stores. Above: Audrey Harrison participates in tasting events hosted by Hudson. “She comes ready with samples and lots of personality,” notes Hudson’s Bridget Biagas. supported our initiative to highlight local brands from the community.” After that initial meeting, Biagas worked with Hudson’s category management team to vet the brand, walk Audrey and her father through onboarding and place the first purchase orders. Audrey’s Popcorn may be small in size, but it’s built on big ideas. “It’s the perfect snack to take on a plane,” Audrey said. “It’s about the size as a Frito-Lay bag, which is perfect for the airport.”

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AX NEWS FEBRUARY 2026