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MCO Moves Forward With Plans of Bringing More Favorite Eats to the Airport

Image source: Fly MCO

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board has officially approved Phase 2 of the Concession Master Plan at Orlando International Airport (MCO), marking another milestone in the airport’s multi-year effort to reimagine dining and retail offerings across Terminals A and B. The three-phase initiative aims to elevate the traveler experience for more than 57 million annual passengers by introducing a broader, more diverse mix of restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Phase 2 builds on the momentum of the initial rollout, bringing additional Central Florida favorites together with nationally recognized brands that remain popular with MCO visitors.

“This three-phased project goes to the heart of our mission at Orlando International Airport to create an experience that is welcoming, seamless, and distinctly representative of Central Florida,” Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority said in a press release. “Through this concession program, we are bringing unique flavors and innovative concepts directly to our guests, while continuing to offer the national brands they know and enjoy. It is all part of our broader vision to deliver a world-class airport experience from the moment travelers arrive.”

Expanded Dining and Retail Options in Phase 2

The newly approved slate of concepts reflects the plan’s holistic approach—balancing local character with traveler familiarity, while adding healthier options and modern retail experiences. Phase 2 locations include:

  • Bahia Bowls

  • Bricks & Bowls

  • Chick-fil-A

  • Crisp & Green

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels

  • InMotion

  • Just Love Coffee Cafe

  • Naya Middle Eastern Counter & Grill

  • Panda Express

  • Piggza

  • Sambazon

  • Shake Shack

  • Starbucks

These additions will integrate into the terminal footprint alongside Phase 1 venues, ensuring a consistent mix of offerings throughout airport corridors.

Building on Phase 1 and Preparing for Major Upgrades

Phase 1, announced in December 2024, introduced more than 40 confirmed restaurants and retail partners, including well-known local establishments such as Otto’s High Dive, Stasio’s, Smoke & Donuts, Kelly’s Ice Cream, and 4Rivers. Construction and planning efforts for these spaces are currently underway, with openings scheduled to roll out from Summer 2026 through Late 2028.

Together, Phases 1, 2, and 3 will redevelop over 200,000 square feet across Terminals A and B, transforming high-traffic areas into modern, welcoming destinations where travelers can dine, shop, and relax before their flights.

Part of a Broader Airport Transformation

The concession program is a key component of GOAA’s larger vision to enhance the overall passenger journey at MCO. The $5.9 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) outlines extensive upgrades throughout the airport, including expanded restrooms, refreshed flooring, revamped baggage claim spaces, and improvements to gate areas.

Additional CIP projects include significant parking enhancements, a new gates wing on Airside 2, and next-generation Gate Link trams that will serve Airsides 2 and 4—improvements designed to streamline movement and enhance convenience for millions of travelers.

As the concession plan advances and capital improvements progress, Orlando International Airport continues its long-term effort to deliver a world-class travel environment that reflects the region it serves.

Written by Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan is the Content & Creative Development Manager for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine where she gets to collaborate on bringing new life into local happenings and tell the stories of the people who make Central Florida what it is. She has a bachelor's degree in Print and Digital Journalism from the University of Central Florida and has had her worked featured in Strike Magazine, The Charge, The Orlando Life, and Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. As a born and bred Orlando native, Melissa enjoys putting her own spin on the daily life of The City Beautiful.

When she is not at her laptop writing her next piece, you can find Melissa traveling the world, watching rom coms on repeat, or indulging in a delicious bowl of pasta.

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