| INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 20, 2026) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is adding three new and one enhanced local food-and-beverage experiences in the terminal — including a new incubator space that gives emerging Indy culinary talent a rare chance to reach millions of travelers. The incubator space, guided by local chef Steve Oakley, will provide rising culinary talent with the support, mentorship and visibility needed to establish customer connection and brand identity.
“This opportunity provides public value to the community by giving local rising culinary talent a massive stage,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “More than 10.6 million people move through IND each year, and that kind of visibility can be a game‑changer for a new chef or restaurant striving to break into the market.”
The incubator space, which will be operated by CC Holdings, is intentionally located in Civic Plaza, where travelers coming and going, as well as non-ticketed guests, can be the first to try new menus. And rising Indy chefs and culinary innovators can test new ideas with airport guests all while gaining real‑world experience without the heavy upfront investment usually required in airport dining.
“Our goal is to make food fun, approachable, and exciting while bringing hospitality with a very personal touch to our guests,” said Oakley, a James Beard award-winning chef who was born and raised in Indiana. “We’ll be offering many local culinary favorites that give a sense of nostalgia with a fun twist, and that offers travelers an experience to remember.”
In addition to the new incubator space, the Indy airport is adding three well‑known local names to its dining and beverage experiences. Lift Off will feature the Daredevil Brewing Co. brand, founded in Speedway (Indianapolis) and a regional favorite known for its classic tavern-style pizzas and nationally recognized, award-winning beers, including Lift Off IPA and Indy Lager.
Java House Bistro, founded by Purdue University graduate Ted Gelov and originally established in Carmel, will feature its all-Indiana produced cold brew coffees and syrups along with the talented innovations of Chef Oakley. And Indy’s iconic Shapiro’s Delicatessen will redesign its current airport location and offer new travel-friendly portions.
Lift Off and Java House Bistro are located in Concourse A, and each plan to open by the end of 2026. The incubator space is anticipated to open in Civic Plaza by fall of 2027.
Shapiro’s is currently operating in Concourse B and will close by early 2027 for the redesign. An anticipated reopening is scheduled for late 2027.
“One of the best parts of traveling is getting to experience something local,” said Marsha Wurster, IAA senior director of commercial enterprise. “Airports should reflect the culture of the communities around them, and these local brands coming to IND bring more of Indiana’s food and beverage personality into the terminal. It gives travelers a genuine sense of Indy — the creativity, the flavor and the people behind it.”
Bid process attracted broad interest
The IAA’s request for proposal process drew strong interest, with 21 entities submitting 39 concepts. After 17 interviews and a detailed review process, the IAA selected four locations for immediate development, with two additional spaces undergoing further study. CC Holdings, an Indiana‑based company, will operate all four of the new-experience locations.
“Our goal at CC Holdings is to be a catalyst for growth for these locally owned and operated firms,” said CC Holdings Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kim Hendren. “By exposing travelers to the incredible innovations in Indiana’s own backyard, offering exceptional interactions with our guests, and maximizing returns for all involved, we intend to enhance the Indiana experience for travelers with their every visit and further distinguish the airport as a uniquely superior destination.”
The new food-and-beverage experiences are anticipated to create approximately 45 additional jobs at the Indy airport — which already creates employment for more than 11,000 people onsite, and more than 54,000 indirect employment opportunities in Central Indiana.
IND has been named the Best Airport in North America for 13 consecutive years by Airports Council International World. The airport continues to expand its dining options to reflect both local favorites and nationally recognized brands.
For more information about the new food-and-beverage spaces, click here.
For more information about dining options and operating hours at the Indy airport, visit IND.com/Dining. |
