Tampa International Airport will house Dave’s Hot Chicken as one of 66 shops and restaurants in its new Airside D terminal by decade’s end. Franchise owner Ian Lieberman and his siblings operate several locations across Florida’s west coast. They’re working to open their newest spot inside the facility under construction.
“We’ve seen the growth here. And it’s exciting to be part of a community institution, like the airport,” said Lieberman, according to Bay News 9. “It’s an honor to even be considered for a space there. And we think if we are selected for a space, that it will do nothing but great things for our brand and for our business.”
The new terminal will be double the size of the one next door. Laurie Noyes, Airport Concessions and Commercial Parking Vice President, said officials are examining contract expirations. They’re also planning what comes next.
Noyes wants to fill storefronts with businesses from the region, and the benefits stretch past revenue.
“They use local supply chains and local agriculture,” Noyes said. “We’re continuing to generate that economic activity within our region. Employees are based here. So it’s important to have that brand.”
Breaking into the market brought obstacles. “The first site was challenging to find,” Lieberman said. “The second site was challenging, but easier. Now that we have a track record, we can tell landlords what we’re doing in sales.”
He has never owned a restaurant inside an airport, but the opportunity appeals to him because of the focus on hometown businesses.
“You’re surrounded by national vendors and prime contractors from all over the country,” Lieberman mentioned. “But here, this feels more local. And to me, that’s what the Tampa airport is about.”