A Southwest plane taxis at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Southwest Airlines
When Valley residents fly out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the names of many of the restaurants near the gates are familiar.
The airport is known for its support of the local food scene, with multiple iterations of local eateries spread throughout the terminals. Soon, even more recognizable Valley businesses will appear at the gates.
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that nine new restaurants and bars will land at Sky Harbor soon. Restaurants at the airport are run by concessionaires who operate the businesses on behalf of the local owners. HMSHost will be behind three of the new restaurants, while SSP America is planning to launch six.
While there is no construction timeline yet, here’s what travelers can look forward to.
Christopher Collins and Common Ground Culinary will soon add two airport locations to their roster.
Courtesy Sweet Provisions
The Macintosh
The Macintosh will open a second Valley restaurant at the airport, joining its original location at the Town & Country Shopping Center off Camelback Road. The restaurant serves a classic American menu with a nod to Southern cuisine, featuring dishes such as a Cajun fish sandwich and shrimp and grits. It’s part of Common Ground Culinary, a local restaurant group helmed by chef and restaurateur Christopher Collins.
The Collins Small Batch Kitchen
Another Common Ground Culinary restaurant will soon join Sky Harbor. The Collins Small Batch Kitchen focuses on seasonal ingredients and offers a menu of salads, sandwiches, pizzas and three different flavors of rotisserie chicken. At the Biltmore area restaurant, there’s also a raw bar. It’s unclear yet how much of the menu will be on offer at the airport.
The Mexicano’s menu includes tacos, burritos, enchiladas and fusion dishes such as birria bao.
The Mexicano by Chef Joey
Chef Joey Maggiore has become a household name in Phoenix, and soon, his food will be on offer at Sky Harbor. The chef, who helms multiple restaurants that range from Italian to Mexican, brunch and a New York deli, is bringing The Mexicano to the airport. The restaurant has two Valley locations, in Phoenix and Chandler, where it serves tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and more. Chef Joey’s concepts are known for their over-the-top items such as the 3-foot-long machete quesadilla, which could keep anyone full for even the longest flight.
Cactus & Cow Burger Bar
A brand new concept coming to Sky Harbor is Cactus & Cow Burger Bar. And while travelers may not recognize the name yet, they will know the chef. The new burger spot will be led by local celebrity chef Mark Tarbell.
Greenwood Brewing will soon start pouring pints at Sky Harbor.
Greenwood Brewing
One of downtown Phoenix’s most popular breweries will soon start pouring pints at the airport. Greenwood Brewing will join a host of other local breweries, such as O.H.S.O. and Pedal Haus, that serve local beer in the terminals. We’re partial to the local brewery locations in the airport, because while the food vendors are operated by outside companies, the breweries bring in their own beer, offering a true taste of Phoenix.
Ingo’s Tasty Food
Ingo’s Tasty Food currently has two locations in the Valley, with one in downtown Phoenix and another in the Biltmore area. Soon, a third will join the mix at Sky Harbor. The restaurant is part of the Hi Noon Hospitality family, which also includes Buck & Rider and the newly opened Pinyon. Ingo’s is an all-day destination, which offers breakfast, salads, sandwiches, coffees and cocktails in a casual setting.
The Farm at South Mountain, Morning Glory Cafe, The Bar
Locals who have visited The Farm at South Mountain know that the gorgeous, sprawling property includes multiple eateries. And its version at the airport will be similar. During the morning, customers can visit Morning Glory Cafe for burritos and omelets. Later in the day, they can head to The Farm Kitchen for lunch, and in the evening, make their way to a third concept called The Bar.