Ruth Haines
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is planning to expand its dining and retail options, with a call for proposals for 38 new locations across all terminals. The airport, which served 81.7 million passengers in 2023, is undergoing a $5 billion expansion, including the construction of a new Terminal F and the reconstruction of Terminal C. The new dining options will include a mix of grab-and-go and sit-down restaurants, with 17 food and beverage concepts planned. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for better food options at airports, as security measures and longer wait times have led travelers to seek more than just a quick bite before their flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of new restaurants and retail options planned | 38 |
| Number of food and beverage concepts | 17 |
| Number of retail stores | 17 |
| Number of passengers served in 2023 | 81.7 million |
| Number of passengers expected by 2030 | 100 million |
| Number of gates in Terminal A after expansion | 5 |
| Number of gates in Terminal C after expansion | 4 |
| Number of phases of expansion | 3-4 |
| Number of terminals after expansion | 6 |
| Year of expected completion of Terminal F construction | 2026 |
| Number of airport restaurants operated by Gilbert Aranza | 105 |
What You'll Learn
DFW Airport's food scene generates $580 million a year
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a bustling hub of culinary delights, with its food scene generating a staggering $580 million a year. With over 73 million visitors in 2022, the airport's executive vice president of revenue management and customer experience, Ken Buchanan, has his eyes set on the $1 billion mark for concessions sales.
The airport has come a long way since its early days in the 1970s, when travellers grabbed a quick bite before rushing to their gates. Back then, the idea of "eating" at an airport was uncommon, and most people didn't linger for a meal. Over time, security measures and changing airline practices have led to longer "dwell times" for travellers, and the airport has adapted to meet their needs with an ever-evolving array of dining options.
Today, DFW Airport is nearly doubling its concessions space to accommodate a wide range of restaurants, from grab-and-go options to sit-down establishments. The airport's focus on including local flavours and diverse offerings has resulted in a vibrant food scene that showcases the region's culinary delights. From Chef Tim Love's Love Shack burgers to the Asian fusion fare of Ling & Louie's, travellers can enjoy a true taste of Dallas and Fort Worth.
The airport's commitment to reflecting the local culture extends beyond cuisine. With the construction of a sixth terminal and other improvements, DFW Airport is set to become an even bigger economic engine, generating jobs and attracting businesses to the area. The airport's concessionaires, such as Gilbert Aranza, who operates multiple successful restaurants at the airport, contribute significantly to this economic growth, offering jobs to people of colour and other minorities.
As DFW Airport continues to expand and evolve, it is not just a gateway to the world but also a destination in itself for food lovers and travellers seeking a unique taste of Texas.
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The airport is seeking 38 new restaurants and retail options
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is seeking 38 new restaurants and retail options as it prepares for construction on a sixth terminal and other improvements. The airport is issuing a request for proposals for new retail and dining spots across all of its terminals, marking the largest single concessions opportunity since Terminal D opened in 2005.
The airport's executive vice president of revenue management and customer experience, Ken Buchanan, stated that DFW will be "nearly doubling the space available" for its shopping and dining program. The request for proposals is open to both existing concessionaires and newcomers, including small, diverse companies representing local flavors or national brands.
The new dining options will include a range of concepts, from grab-and-go to sit-down restaurants, with 17 food and beverage concepts and 17 retail stores planned. This expansion comes as DFW Airport served a record 81.7 million passengers in 2023 and is on track to serve over 100 million customers annually by 2030.
In addition to the new dining and retail options, DFW Airport is also undergoing significant growth with the construction of Terminal F and the reconstruction of Terminals A and C, adding new gates and enhancing overall capacity. With these developments, the airport is transforming its terminals, expanding its facilities, and improving the overall travel experience for its growing number of passengers.
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Terminal D is the hub for high-end shopping and dining
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is a bustling hub, serving a record-breaking number of passengers. With over 200 concessions, the airport offers a wide range of shopping and dining experiences for travellers to enjoy. Terminal D, in particular, stands out as the go-to destination for high-end shopping and dining options.
For those seeking a sophisticated dining experience, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar at Gate D27 offers an extensive selection of fine wines, perfectly paired with a menu of elegant dishes. The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium at Gate D20 presents another unique offering, with a wide variety of draught beers to tantalise the taste buds of beer enthusiasts.
In addition to its culinary delights, Terminal D is also renowned for its high-end shopping opportunities. Passengers can indulge in luxury brands such as Montblanc, located at Gate D24, offering an exquisite range of writing instruments, timepieces, and leather goods. For fashion-forward travellers, Michael Kors at Gate D25 provides a sophisticated selection of luxury accessories and ready-to-wear pieces.
The terminal also boasts an impressive range of beauty and cosmetic options, including the renowned MAC Cosmetics at Gate D28, ensuring travellers can stay glamorous on the go. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, World News & Gifts at Gate D38 offers a tranquil escape with a variety of newspapers, magazines, and travel essentials.
With its unique blend of upscale dining and shopping, Terminal D sets itself apart as the premier destination for travellers seeking a luxurious airport experience. Whether it's indulging in a gourmet meal, savouring fine wines, or treating themselves to luxury goods, passengers passing through Terminal D are sure to find an offering that suits their taste.
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DFW Airport's first chain restaurant was TGI Fridays
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country, is a major economic hub, generating jobs and attracting businesses. In 2023, the airport served a record 74 million passengers and registered $891.7 million in sales from its restaurants, stores, and services—the most in airport history.
TGI Fridays at DFW Airport offered a variety of standard American food fare, including burgers, chicken, pasta, and steaks. The Terminal B restaurant underwent a major remodel, expanding its seating capacity to 220, making it one of the largest restaurants in the entire TGI Fridays chain.
In early 2025, TGI Fridays sold its five locations at DFW Airport to Mera Corp., a franchisee based in Cancun, Mexico, that specializes in operating restaurants in airports and cruise ports. The sale, approved by a bankruptcy court, was part of TGI Fridays' efforts to repay its bankruptcy loan. Despite the sale of these locations, TGI Fridays left its mark as the first chain restaurant at DFW Airport, and its presence contributed significantly to the airport's dining landscape and revenue.
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Chili's, a popular chain at the airport, grosses $8 million annually
Chilli's Grill & Bar is a popular chain at DFW Airport, with one location in Terminal C. The chain is owned by Star Concessions President and CEO Gilbert Aranza, one of the most prolific restaurant/concession operators at the airport. Aranza estimates that he has opened 105 airport restaurants in 28 years, including one Chilli's, a Pizza Hut, a Cantina Laredo, four Whataburgers, and a brand-new Eatzi's, among others.
The Chilli's in Terminal C is the best-performing of all his restaurants and is expected to gross $8 million this year. This contributes to the overall $580 million a year generated by the airport's food business. With more than 73 million people visiting the airport in 2022, it's no surprise that the airport's concessions program is thriving.
DFW Airport features one of the largest concession programs in North America, with 252,000 square feet of concessionable space spread over five terminals. The airport has approximately 215 shops and restaurants, which are operated through lease agreements between the airport and approximately 60 different private companies.
In addition to Chilli's, other popular restaurant chains at the airport include TGI Fridays, which has been there since the 1970s, Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack, McDonald's, and Starbucks. The airport is also home to local favourites such as Dallas-born Sonny Bryan's and Texas 'cue specialist The Salt Lick.
With the airport's ongoing expansion and construction of a sixth terminal, there are plans to add even more dining and retail options, creating a truly world-class shopping and dining experience for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, there are over 200 concessions at DFW Airport, including restaurants and retail spots. The airport is currently issuing a request for proposals for 38 new retail and dining locations.
DFW Airport offers a variety of dining options, including well-known chains such as TGI Fridays, Chili's, and Whataburger. There are also restaurants by local chefs, such as Shinsei by Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing, which serves Asian cuisine.
DFW Airport is currently undergoing construction on a sixth terminal, with plans to nearly double the space available for dining and retail. The airport served a record 81.7 million passengers in 2023 and is expected to serve over 100 million customers annually by 2030, driving the need for expansion.
