Travelers at Jacksonville International Airport will notice that dining options have changed post-security. The food court between Concourses A and C permanently closed Aug. 6 so work on the $344 million Concourse B project can continue.
The food court comprised Sbarro, Starbucks, Firehouse Subs and Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Perfect.
A JIA spokesperson said more options will be available in the new concourse when it opens in late 2026, but the shuttering of those stores is offset by new and expanded restaurants operating pre- and post-security.
A second Southern Grounds & Co. and an Angie’s Subs are local restaurant additions at JIA. Angie’s began serving subs in Terminal A on Feb. 28. Southern Grounds opened a pre-security location in August 2023. Its post-security spot is in Concourse A, where it started brewing coffee in February 2022.
The wine bar and bistro Vino Volo held a ribbon-cutting May 16 to celebrate its reopening following a renovation and expansion. It has added the Verdi Market to its footprint. It serves Jacksonville-based Pura Bean Coffee and features full-bottle wine sales, gourmet snacks and healthy grab-and-go offerings.
Chili’s is expanding, adding about 50% more space. It is being rebuilt in the central area of the concourses, nearest the entrance to Concourse A. JAA anticipates it will open Aug. 21.
Shula’s Bar & Grill and BurgerFi continue to operate in Concourse A. PGA Tour Grill, Firehouse and Starbucks remain in Concourse C.
Paradies Lagardère operates Vino Volo. HMSHost operates the rest of the dining areas with Lee Wesley Group.
Club JAX grounded
Another closure to allow for the construction of Concourse B is The Club JAX, where travelers could pay $50 for a day pass for a higher-end lounge experience.
Amenities included beverages and snacks, workspaces, showers and Wi-Fi. Part of a chain, its entrance was adjacent to the food court.
In a statement on LinkedIn, the company said: “Due to the upcoming expansion of the terminal at JAX International Airport, The Club JAX will be closing on August 5th at 7 pm. We have appreciated the opportunity to serve all our guests, including our valued Priority Pass members. We look forward to welcoming you at our various locations throughout the U.S.”
The Club operates at 21 airports domestically. The Club JAX opened in May 2019.
Stores getting ‘facelifts’
The changes don’t stop at dining. JIA said three of its stores are receiving facelifts at a project cost of $339,400, according to building permits.
The stores are Insight jewelry boutiques and InMotion, which sells electronics and accessories for travelers.
Work includes removing and replacing wall fixtures, floor fixtures, checkout stations, after-hour security gates, storefront windows and repainting 3,595 square feet across the three stores.
Insight is changing the name of both of its pre- and post-security stores. The main terminal location will be renamed Riverside Walk and its Concourse A store will be called The Catwalk.
All three stores will have the same offerings as before.
Marshall Retail Group manages the stores. Jacksonville-based Auld & White Constructors LLC is the contractor.
Work will begin within the next two months JIA said work should be completed by the end of the year.
This story has been updated with The Club JAX closure.