More food, fewer shops: Tampa International unveils vision for airport concessions overhaul

Tampa International Airport is preparing for a major overhaul of its shops and restaurants in the years ahead.

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa International Airport (TPA) is preparing for a major overhaul of its shops and restaurants in the years ahead — and airport leaders are already opening the door for local entrepreneurs who want to be part of it.

Dozens of business owners, vendors and community members gathered Thursday at TPA for a concessions redevelopment information session, where airport officials shared early plans for future restaurant and retail space across the airport.

Among those in attendance was Tropical Smoothie Cafe representative Ryan Nelson, who said he hopes to one day bring the brand to the airport.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to reach people where they are,” Nelson said.

Nelson said an airport location could help expose the brand to travelers from around the world.

“You know, airports are a confluence of people coming from all different parts of the world, different walks of life,” Nelson said. “Our brand is definitely in growth mode right now and we really like to be in the airport and having that exposure.”

He added that travelers who enjoy a brand at the airport often remember it later.

“The next time you’re out on the street, you remember the experience you had in the airport and say, ‘Okay, I like that brand,’” Nelson said.

Airport leaders say the redevelopment is needed because all current concessions contracts expire between 2029 and 2031.

“We’re looking toward the future of redoing our concessions program,” said Laurie Noyes, vice president of concessions, commercial parking and ground transportation at TPA.

Noyes said passenger surveys show travelers are increasingly looking for more food and beverage options, healthier grab-and-go choices and more seating areas near gates rather than traditional retail shops.

“We want to make sure that we provide the right amount of space in the right place, meet the travelers’ needs,” Noyes said. “That’s where we start.”

Noyes said the airport is still refining its plans.

“As we go out, and we learn more from the partners and the community and the industry, we will continue to refine tune to the best that it can be,” she said.

Under the current proposal, Airside A would shrink its concessions footprint slightly to make room for future passenger growth. Airside C would expand food and beverage space by about 5%.

The biggest change may come with the future Airside D terminal, which is expected to open in late 2028 or early 2029. Airport officials say Airside D could include between 20,000 and 25,000 square feet of concessions space, with more restaurants and shops closer to the gates.

Airsides E and F would also shift more of their space toward food and beverage options, while Airside F is expected to add more windows and natural light.

Travelers at the airport Thursday said they support the changes.

“I do like that. I feel like not that many people want to shop in the airport,” Madi Horacek said. “I think most people want to sit down and relax, get healthy snack options, more places to sit and relax instead of shop.”

Horacek added that the changes make sense for such a busy airport.

“I think it’s really smart because it is a busy airport and a lot of people are flying in and out of here,” she said.

Austin Tanner said he likes that the airport is listening to passengers.

“I think the Tampa airport is already a great airport, and the fact that they’re listening to the local crowd of people that travel in and out of here on a daily basis is great,” Tanner said.

He said airport clothing stores often appear empty and believes the space could be better used for food and lounges.

“Better to utilize space for restaurants and lounges, healthy options to eat instead of fast food,” Tanner said.

Local restaurant owners also see the airport as a major opportunity.

Willa’s Café owner Mike Lyons said he likes that TPA is trying to bring in local businesses.

“We are a small business. We kind of want to grow, but there’s a different way of doing it, and this is a better way where the airport wants to seek us out and wants all Tampa local businesses to be in the airport,” Lyons said.

Lyons said the expansion could help expose local brands to international travelers.

“They’re going to be bringing in international travelers,” Lyons said. “It’s going to be a broader spectrum of all the tourists that come to Florida.”

Business operator Carolina Conner called the project a huge opportunity.

“Absolutely,” Conner said. “It’s all about economic development.”

Airport officials say passengers are expected to begin seeing some of the first changes over the next three to four years, with the biggest transformation likely to coincide with the opening of Airside D.