Taste Takes Flight as New Food Hall Opens at the Sunport

ALBUQUERQUE – Travelers at the Albuquerque International Sunport have new options for refueling, refreshing, and relaxing as new restaurants are now open ahead of holiday travel. Four food and beverage concepts opened for business today with eight more on the way as renovations on the new food hall are nearly complete. Rush of Prana, a new spinoff by Annapurna, and Flavor of New Mexico, a fresh concept that celebrates New Mexico’s rich culinary heritage will be debuting alongside national chain Dunkin’, while Panda Express will return to the Gateway of New Mexico. All four dining concepts will be operated by locally-based Fresquez Companies, which plans to integrate mobile technology to streamline the travel experience for passengers.

The new food hall is part of the Sunport’s $90 million terminal renovation and is located post-security, next to the larger-than-life, relocated bronze statue by Lincoln Fox, “Dream of Flight,” which inspired the project. The renovation is funded through federal grants and revenue generated by the airport. The entire project is expected to be completed next year.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our community to modernize the Sunport for the future and tell the story of Albuquerque’s unique culture,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our goal was to include as many local food brands as possible so that people from all over the world can enjoy our flavors and products created by Burqueños while providing economic growth for folks all around the region.”

In September the Sunport hosted the “Taste of Sunport,” a community event that showcased its revamped offerings and introduced new concessionaires such as Laguna Burger, Teller Vodka, Sadie’s, Frank’s Chicken & Waffles, New Mexico Piñon Coffee, and Indian Pueblo Kitchen, all based in New Mexico and expected to open in the coming weeks.

“We are thrilled to welcome our four concessionaires, who will elevate the passenger experience in our modernized and reimagined Sunport,” said Aviation Director Richard McCurley. “The opening of this new food hall demonstrates the power of collaboration among our dedicated staff, managing partners, and passionate restaurateurs who believed in our vision. We invite everyone to experience our beautiful new food hall and take a delicious journey through the Land of Enchantment.”

“Dream of Flight” marks the airport’s first major terminal renovation in 30 years. The transformative journey will modernize one of the nation’s most iconic airports, enhance the customer experience, improve infrastructure and create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The project will also feature new retail shops with New Mexican-made products, as well as new works of art commissioned by the City of Albuquerque.

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About the Albuquerque International Sunport
Owned and operated by the City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department, The Albuquerque International Sunport is New Mexico’s largest commercial airport, welcoming over 5 million passengers each year. Served by eight major carriers, three cargo carriers and one commuter airline, the Sunport offers nonstop service between ABQ and 30 destinations, with worldwide connectivity. The Albuquerque International Sunport is the Gateway of New Mexico.