According to the ARN Fact blog, annual food and beverage service at the 90 largest U.S. airports is $3.3 billion. Food and beverage spending per enplaning passenger is $5.12.
The following airports have the highest food and beverage sales:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International: $235.4 million
Chicago O’Hare International: $187.4 million
Los Angeles International: $156.4 million
John F. Kennedy International (New York City): $151.0 million
Denver International: $149.5 million
Dallas-Fort Worth International: $141.5 million
San Francisco International: $124.5 million
Charlotte/Douglas International: $101.7 million
Miami International: $ 99.0 million
Phoenix Sky Harbor International: $ 92.4 million
Despite the reduction in air traffic at some of the larger airports, travelers are spending more at airport restaurants as they become increasingly aware of the dining options that are available.
Food Concessions At US Airports Photo Gallery
According to Amy Snow, Concessions Manager at Los Angeles International Airport, travelers are spending more per transaction at airport-based restaurants, an indication that they are increasingly choosing upscale dining options.
According to PAX International, a trade magazine that covers airport dining trends, airports are increasingly featuring local restaurants with high-quality, healthful food.
Frommers (www.frommers.com) recognizes the best restaurants at U.S. airports as follows:
• Baltimore-Washington International
Thurgood Marshall: Obrycki’s (Gate B-11)
• Chicago O’Hare International: Tortas Frontera (Terminal 1)
• Boston Logan International: Legal Sea Foods (Terminals A, B, C)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International: One Flew South (Terminal E)
• John F. Kennedy International
Airport (New York City): Deep Blue Sushi (Terminal 5)
• Los Angeles International: Encounter at LAX (center of airport before security)
• Minneapolis-St Paul International: Ike’s Food and Cocktails (at
The Mall near Concourse E)
• LaGuardia: Custom Burgers by Pat LaFrieda
(Delta Terminal)
• Raleigh-Durham International: 42nd Street Oyster Bar (Terminal 2)
• Seattle-Tacoma International: Ivar’s (central terminal)
The 2016 Readers Choice Awards poll by 10Best (www.10best.com), a USA Today travel site, ranked the Best Airport Restaurants as follows:
• Ruby’s Diner (George Bush Intercontinental)
• Legal Sea Foods (Boston Logan International)
• Obrycki’s Restaurant & Bar (Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall)
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen (Dallas/Fort Worth International)
• Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi (Chicago O’Hare International)
• P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International)
• Local Tavern (Philadelphia International)
• Tortas Frontera (Chicago O’Hare International)
• PGA Tour Grill (San Diego International)
• Wolfgang Puck Express (Los Angeles International)
The Best Airport Bars were ranked as follows:
• Whisky River (Charlotte Douglas International)
• Chickie’s & Pete’s (Philadelphia International)
• Four Peaks Brewery (Phoenix Sky Harbor)
• Cigar City Brewing (Tampa International)
• Reilly’s Daughter Irish Pub (Chicago Midway International)
• Bar Symon (Pittsburgh International)
• Vino Volo (Los Angeles International)
• The Firkin & Fox (Washington Dulles International)
• The 40/40 Club (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International)
• Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge (Nashville International)
