| INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 1, 2026) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is welcoming a new chapter for one of its most popular concessions, while continuing a broader refresh of dining and beverage options throughout the terminal this fall.
Just Pop In!, the airport’s long-time gourmet popcorn shop is reassigning its lease to CC Holdings, paving the way for the launch of the Pop Fly Diner. The new dining concept will feature Just Pop In! popcorn-centric comfort food, an all-day brunch menu, and a thoughtfully curated craft bar program.
“Since creating Just Pop In! in 2003, we’ve learned that the people we choose to partner with is incredibly important to us and our brand,” said Just Pop In! co-owners Mandy Selke and Carly Swift in a joint statement. “Under the new agreement, Just Pop In! will continue to delight travelers with its signature gourmet popcorn through Pop Fly, which brings a brand-new dining experience to the airport.”
CC Holdings, a local woman-owned hospitality business that operates multiple concessionaire locations throughout the Indy airport terminal, will involve award-winning Chef Steve Oakley as the culinary lead and inspiration for Pop Fly Diner.
Oakley’s vision is to incorporate Just Pop In! popcorn with the Pop Fly Diner menu, using popcorn elements as toppings in the menu items, such as corn grits with smoke-pulled pork, shrimp and corn spring rolls, plus burgers with french-fries topped with popcorn flavorings. The menu will also include popcorn-flavored ice cream, caramel corn ice cream, and handmade shakes that will satisfy travelers’ sweet and salty cravings.
“We have long admired Just Pop In! gourmet popcorn, which will bring an exciting and uniquely Indy dining experience to travelers,” said Kim Hendren, CC Holdings chief executive officer. “Our goal is to showcase the best of Indianapolis’ area cuisine at the airport, and Just Pop In! is a true Indiana taste innovation. By adding Chef Steve Oakley’s culinary expertise, we can offer creative pairings of popcorn and tasty menu/beverage offerings for a distinctive food experience.”
Construction on the space is set to begin in early 2027.
More New and Renovated Concessions Planned to Begin This Fall
The Just Pop In! transition is one of several changes underway across the Indy airport’s dining lineup. Below are updates on the Indy airport’s continued concessions refresh initiative to provide traveling guests with local and national food and beverage offerings.
- Shapiro’s Delicatessen will close its current Concourse B location in late October for a redesign, reopening with new travel-friendly portions. The revamped location will open in early Spring 2027.
- Nature’s Table will close in late October and convert into Indy Eats, a culinary incubator space in Civic Plaza announced earlier this year and will be guided by Chef Oakley. Indy Eats is anticipated to open in early 2027.
- Java House Bistro and Lift Off Tavern, featuring Daredevil Brewery are both targeting grand openings in the fourth quarter of 2026 in Concourse A.
These additions demonstrate the Indy airport’s ongoing effort to bring more homegrown Indiana brands into the terminal.
“Dining and retail, along with exceptional customer service and world-class local art, are a huge part of how we shape a traveler’s experience in the terminal,” said Maggie Cunningham, director air service and airport experience. “We want every stop in our terminal — whether it’s grabbing a meal before a flight, picking up a local artisan gift on the way home, or enjoying the many art exhibits — including some breathtaking pieces that will help beautify the construction areas — to feel like a genuine reflection of Indianapolis. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.”
For more information about dining options and operating hours at the Indy airport, visit http://www.ind.com/dining-shopping-services/. |
