Industry News

Beloved Local Brand Opens Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen at Bradley International Airport

May 1, 2026 | News

Manchester-rooted craft brewery brings local flavor, warm hospitality, and a true taste of community to BDL

WINDSOR LOCKS, CONN. – Friday May 1st, 2026 – SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, today announced the opening of Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen at Bradley International Airport (BDL), bringing a distinctly Connecticut dining experience to the terminal.

Part of Bradley’s broader concessions evolution, Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen adds a warm, welcoming new gathering place for travelers—one rooted in local character and built around the simple pleasure of sharing great food, good beer, and easy company before takeoff.

Created in partnership with Urban Lodge Brewing Co., the Manchester-rooted craft brewery known for its approachable hospitality and community spirit, the new airport location brings the brand’s signature warmth and personality into the travel journey. Since opening its original brewhouse in 2019, Urban Lodge Brewing Co. has earned a loyal following for its evolving beer program, welcoming atmosphere, and “something for everyone” spirit. At Bradley, that same energy now meets the pace of travel in a space designed to feel both relaxed and distinctly of the region.

With its lodge-inspired setting, strong bar presence, and inviting atmosphere, Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen gives passengers a chance to enjoy a true taste of Connecticut—whether they are heading home, heading out, or simply looking for a moment to settle in before the next leg of the journey.

“The arrival of Urban Lodge adds to the growing list of new dining options that help enhance the experience for passengers at Bradley International Airport,” said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director & CEO of the CAA. “It also underscores our commitment to creating a sense of place inside the terminal with local, recognizable brands that reflect our state and region.”

Michael Gerrity, Co-Owner, Urban Lodge Brewing Co., enthused, “We are thrilled to partner with SSP and bring the Urban Lodge experience to Bradley International Airport. It’s an exciting time for the airport, and we’re proud to represent local craft beer and hospitality as part of the momentum and transformation happening here.”

 

Kyle Phillips, Vice President, Concepts & Development, SSP America, commented, “Urban Lodge is exactly the kind of brand that makes airport dining more memorable — local, welcoming, and full of personality. It’s a concept built around gathering and genuine hospitality, and we’re proud to bring that spirit to Bradley International Airport. This opening reflects what matters most in a modern concessions program: a strong sense of place, broad traveler appeal, and an experience that feels rooted in the community it serves.”

Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen is one of several concepts introduced as part of Bradley International Airport’s continuing strategy to elevate the passenger experience through a stronger mix of local favorites and nationally recognized brands. SSP America’s vision for BDL has long centered on creating a concessions program that reflects the region, supports local participation, and gives travelers a meaningful sense of where they are—not just where they are going.

Author