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NewsYourobserverJune 22, 2026Manatee

Sarasota-Bradenton Airport Debuts New Local and National Dining Options

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) has partnered with two major concessionaires to overhaul its dining and retail offerings in Concourses A and B. The initiative aims to provide a more local 'sense of place' for travelers while accommodating significant growth in passenger traffic.

airporteconomic developmentdiningSarasotaManatee County
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Why It Matters

Travelers at SRQ now have access to a new mix of local and national restaurant brands, with concessionaires investing over $16 million in terminal upgrades to support the airport's growth to over 4.5 million annual passengers.

Key Facts

  • Concessionaires invested over $16 million in Concourse B and pre-security area upgrades.
  • New concession contracts with SSP America and Paradies Lagardère are for 12-year terms.
  • SRQ passenger traffic surpassed 4.5 million in 2025.
  • New local brands include Mattison's, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Patricks, and Motorworks Brewing.
  • New national brands include Wahlburgers and Huey Magoo's.
  • Existing brands like Jimmy John's and Starbucks remain in the terminal.
  • The airport is shifting toward a 'master concessionaire' model to streamline management.
  • The upgrade initiative began under former CEO Rick Piccolo and was timed with the opening of Concourse A in January 2025.
  • Airport management plans to increase live entertainment and art installations throughout the terminal.

Who's Mentioned

organizationParadies Lagardère“Master concessionaire for the airport.”organizationSSP America“Master concessionaire for the airport.”personPaul Hoback“President and CEO of SRQ.”organizationMattison's“Local restaurant brand operating in the airport via licensing.”locationSarasota-Bradenton International Airport“The airport facility undergoing concession upgrades.”organizationMotorworks Brewing“Local brewery in Concourse B.”organizationAnna Maria Oyster Bar“Local restaurant brand in Concourse A.”organizationWahlburgers“National restaurant brand in Concourse B.”organizationHuey Magoo's“National restaurant brand in Concourse B.”personRick Piccolo“Retired President and CEO of SRQ who initiated the upgrade project.”