The Jacksonville International Airport Concourse B isn’t scheduled to open until December 2026, but dining options are being planned.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority issued a request for proposals June 19 to develop and manage a planned food hall in the concourse.
The company selected will be responsible for curating a “well-rounded mix” of four quick-service concepts totaling 3,814 square feet that “create a balanced and appealing dining experience for a diverse customer base,” according to the RFP.
It also will be responsible for staffing, and must have at least five years of experience managing concession operations in airports, transportation centers, stadiums, malls or similar settings.
The minimum required capital investment is $2 million. The minimum annual guarantee for the first contract year is $400,000.
The RFP specifies that one of the four concepts must be a chicken-focused restaurant offering fried and grilled options, including sandwiches and salads designed for quick service.
The remaining three concepts should represent underserved categories, such as Asian cuisine, pizza, healthy options, barbecue, seafood or “coastal-inspired” offerings.
The food hall must operate seven days a week year-round, opening at least one hour before the first scheduled flight and remaining open until one hour after the last.
Respondents may also propose a cohesive branding concept for the entire food hall, including a signage plan that aligns with the overall themes of Concourse B and helps identify individual concession spaces.
The post-security food court between Concourse A and Concourse C closed Aug. 6 to make way for the $344 million Course B project. It comprised Sbarro, Starbucks, Firehouse Subs and Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Perfect.
At the time, a JAA spokesperson confirmed more options would be available in Concourse B when it opens.
HMSHost, which operates dining concessions at airports and other travel hubs, runs the majority of JIA’s restaurants.
It opened BurgerFi and the airport’s first Southern Grounds in Concourse A in 2022. A second Southern Grounds opened in the presecurity area in 2023. Its latest addition, Angie’s Subs, debuted in Concourse C in 2024. All have 10-year contracts.
Longtime restaurants in HMSHost’s JIA portfolio are Chili’s Grill & Bar and Firehouse Subs.
Proposals for the Concourse B food hall project are due Sept. 9. As of June 20, seven companies have submitted proposals.