Hungry travelers can now enjoy the return of Jacksonville International Airport’s top-grossing restaurant. As of Aug. 21, a renovated and expanded Chili’s is open after 18 months of work.
“This was not a simple renovation,” said Stephen Douglas, vice president of business development for HMSHost. “We completely gutted Chili’s.”
HMSHost co-operates several airport restaurants, including Chili’s, with the Lee Wesley Group.
Douglas said the expansion adds about 50% more space, including additional bar seating, seating along the chair rails, and a grab-and-go shop, which is expected to offer hot items in a few weeks.
A mariachi band performed at the opening.
The restaurant is in the post-security area for ticketed passengers, near the entrance to Concourse A.
The city issued a permit March 4 for Auld & White Constructors LLC to build-out the restaurant’s new space at a cost of almost $1.3 million. Jacksonville-based Auld & White renovated the 4,385-square-foot space.
“Chili’s has been the highest-grossing concession in our airport. Right before it closed due to the security checkpoint project, it had just reached $5 million in sales. With a 50% expansion, we expect sales to grow significantly,” JAA Properties Manager Jeff Taylor told the authority board on July 27. He noted the airport doesn’t track net profits or expenses.
“One of our goals is to rebalance the existing program, which has been heavy on retail, with the high demand for food and beverage. We’ve been wanting to bring in more restaurants to support the growing demand for these services,” Taylor said. “Additionally, we’ve focused on bringing in more local flavors for our passengers to experience. We want our airport to reflect Jacksonville’s sense of place.”
Other recently added or expanded dining options at JIA include Firehouse Subs, a second Southern Grounds & Co. before the security checkpoint, Angie’s Subs, and a larger Vino Volo.
Future dining areas will be selected through a competitive bid process called a Request for Proposal to identify the best concepts for each new space, Taylor said. JIA plans to pursue a mix of national chains and local restaurants, Taylor said.
Its food court, which included Firehouse Subs, Starbucks, Aunt Annie’s Pretzels and Sbarro, closed Aug. 8 to make way for construction of Concourse B. The Club JAX also closed.
The North Jacksonville airport at 2400 Yankee Clipper Drive is preparing to add a third concourse and has been moving and upgrading its concessions.