When Phoenix aviation officials extended their food service contract with restaurant concessionaires, seven new concepts were approved to replace underperforming restaurants.
Now, two of those restaurants are under construction at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, according to an aviation department report.
New kiosks for The Farm at South Mountain and Ingo's Tasty Food are under construction near the A gates in Terminal 4. City documents showed electrical and plumbing work is in progress at their future locations.
Sky Harbor staff also shared that another two restaurants will be developed in the pre-security area in Terminal 4.
The Farm and Ingo's would further enhance in-airport dining offerings that showcase metro Phoenix's restaurant
scene, joining the likes of Tacos Chiwas, Matt's Big Breakfast and Pedal Haus Brewery. Ingo's was included in The Arizona Republic's list of 100 essential restaurants.
SSP America, which will operate both of the new concepts, stated in a news release that its new dining concepts at Sky Harbor would start opening in late 2026. But exact dates remain unknown.
The Farm will replace three restaurants
The Farm at South Mountain will be located near Gate A22 in Terminal 4. It will occupy the space previously occupied by three restaurants: Humble Pie Pizza, Pei Wei and Deluxburger.
The Farm will serve a menu of offerings from Morning Glory Cafe and The Farm Kitchen, two of the three restaurants at the farm-to-table experience in south Phoenix, plus a craft cocktail experience called The Bar and coffee and grab-and-go pastries and snacks at the Coffee Bar, according to SSP America.
Morning Glory is known for its breakfast items like omelettes, breakfast tacos and brioche French toast, while The Farm Kitchen serves sandwiches, salads and a cheese board.
Ingo's coming in, Wildflower is out
The Sky Harbor location of Ingo's Tasty Food will be located near Gate A9. It will replace another locally founded concept, Wildflower.
Ingo's is an elevated comfort food spot by restaurant group Hi Noon Hospitality, whose other restaurants include Buck & Rider and Pinyon. Highlights include the Farmer's Daughter and Paris Texas burgers, both made with black Angus beef ground in-house; a crispy chicken sandwich; and an all-day breakfast menu. Coffee and cocktails will be available at the airport location.
Terminal 4 is getting new pre-security restaurants
Sky Harbor's pre-security dining options in Terminal 4 are getting a refresh as well.
The airport closed three underperforming restaurants — Red Rock Burger, Blue Mesa Tacos and a pre-security Wildflower location — on July 15.
Panera Bread and Gong Cha Tea will replace the shuttered restaurants, airport spokesman Greg Roybal said. Opening dates for both are unknown.
Expect more new Sky Harbor restaurants
The Farm and Ingo's are far from the only new restaurants coming to Sky Harbor as concessionaires work to replace underperforming concepts with new dining options.
Five other concepts were approved in Sky Harbor's updated food service contract with the concessionaires. They are:
- The Macintosh and The Collins, both by Christopher Collins of Common Ground Culinary, whose other restaurants include the wine bar Saint Urban.
- The Mexicano by Chef Joey, a Mexican restaurant by Joey Maggiore, who is also famous for The Sicilian Butcher, The Italiano and Hash Kitchen.
- Cactus & Cow Burger Bar, an "elevated hamburger concept" by James Beard Award-nominated Phoenix chef Mark Tarbell. Tarbell lent his name to three Sky Harbor dining spots: the full-service The Tavern in Terminal 3 and grab-and-go outposts The Goods and The Express in Terminal 4.
- Greenwood Brewing, the downtown Phoenix craft brewery. Airport staff said that owner Megan Greenwood is working with a local chef to develop a three-meal menu for the Sky Harbor location; the brewery's Roosevelt Row taproom does not have a food menu.
"Phoenix Sky Harbor is an important gateway to the Southwest, and this next chapter in Terminal 4 allows us to showcase the incredible culinary talent that defines the region," Scott Welding, SSP America's senior vice president of development and pursuit of new airports, said in a statement. "These concepts reflect our commitment to partnering with local brands that tell a meaningful story, resonate with travelers and create a sense of place."
Airport spokeswoman Heather Shelbrack previously told The Republic that construction of the restaurants would happen in phases.
It's unknown when the remaining dining concepts will debut at the airport, Roybal said.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Iconic local restaurants opening at Phoenix airport. Exclusive details
