New restaurants open at Wilmington International Airport: Here's a guide
On Thursday morning, parts of Wilmington International Airport were decorated with balloons in pink and orange, and red and black for the grand opening of the newest concession businesses. The colors just happen to be those associated with Dunkin’ and Jimmy John's, which along with The Market at ILM complete the current food and amenity upgrades available for travelers and visitors at the expanded airport.
"We have more choices now,” said Erin McNally, the airport’s marketing, air service development and public relations manager. “And we have local businesses represented as well as national chains represented. There are sit down options, grab-and-go options and a little bit for everyone.”
What’s new?
Samples at the grand opening gave people a look at what to expect. The popular Dunkin’ brand offers doughnuts and other pastries, coffee and coffee drinks, and snacks and beverages. Jimmy John's has their line of signature sandwiches, along with chips as sides like pasta and potato salads. The Market convenience store has grab-and-go items, gifts and travel necessities. That includes customized souvenirs and apparel focused on Wilmington and the local beaches.
These businesses represent the second concessionaire that airport officials are working with, in addition to Tailwind Hospitality Inc. Faber International operates newsstands, cafes and bookstores at train stations and airports and works with businesses to find the best fit for each spot, said Wally Janokowicz, vice president at Faber. Dunkin’ and Jimmy John's expand breakfast and lunch options, he said.
What’s already there?
Port City Java has both a pre-security and post-security presence at the airport. One is located by the baggage claim area, and the other is to the right as you enter the departure gates. And both offer coffee, smoothies, pastries and breakfast and lunch items. The Wilmington-based Flying Machine Brewing Company has the Flying Machine Bar with a focus on spirits, craft beer and wine, with food delivered from the Riverwalk Restaurant and Bar.
The Riverwalk has a sit-down dining space with full bar service and a full menu with appetizers, salads, hot breakfast, and dinner options as well as fresh baked goods from Burney’s Sweets. Also in the post-security area is the Bar Stop, with liquor, wine and beer from local breweries. You can also get breakfast and lunch sandwiches there.
More: Wilmington airport to increase nonstop flights to major destination
When are they open?
The pre-security Port City Java location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. The post-security cafe is open 4 a.m. until the last departure. Riverwalk Restaurant and Bar is open 4:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The Market, Jimmy John's and Dunkin’ will open one and a half hours before the first departing flight and stay open until 15 minutes before the last flight leaves.
Bar Stop is open beginning at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday until the last departing flight. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. until last departing flight. Hours for Flying Machine Bar are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New restaurants open at Wilmington, NC, airport, Dunkin, Jimmy John's
