The Philly-based innovative, late-night bakery plans spring 2026 launch in Terminal C
PHILADELPHIA — Oct. 16, 2025 — Passengers soon will have one more sweet reason to arrive early or linger late at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Insomnia Cookies, the beloved late-night bakery brand disrupting the indulgence category for over two decades, is opening its first airport location in Terminal C in spring 2026, as the partnership continues to broaden Insomnia’s base and reach, while allowing PHL travelers to experience Insomnia’s warm, delicious offerings.
Insomnia Cookies will join MarketPlace PHL’s “Founded in Philly” program highlighting restaurants and shops with local origins. The initiative is designed to put cherished Philly brands front and center for airport passengers. Most recently, Center City sandwich joint Middle Child joined the program, further expanding PHL Food & Shops’ local lineup, along with recent additions Federal Donuts & Chicken, Elixr Coffee Roasters, Oyster House and more.
The new Insomnia Cookies location at PHL will be operated by Hakan Ilhan, owner of Airport Dining. A veteran restaurateur with deep experience in both Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., Ilhan also operates several other standout dining concepts at PHL, including Bud & Marilyn’s, Good Luck Restaurant & Bar, and Sabrina’s Cafe, which opened in April 2024.
Always Up Till 1 a.m. – Insomnia’s Cookie Credo
Located near the Terminal C Security Checkpoint, the new bakery will serve Insomnia’s full lineup of warm, delicious classic cookies, deluxe cookies and Insomnia’s very own “Cookies IN Ice Cream” in addition to other travel-friendly treats.
Just like all of Insomnia Cookies’ 300+ global bakeries, hours of operation for PHL’s Insomnia outpost will be tailored to accommodate both late-night cravings and morning flights. The airport cookie counter will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, with hours extending to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
“Insomnia Cookies is one of Philadelphia’s many original business success stories, and we’re excited to see them serving up their delicious, warm cookies to air travelers,” said Kate Sullivan, Chief Commercial Officer for the Department of Aviation. “As a brand that started only a few miles from the airport, Insomnia embodies our city’s entrepreneurial spirit and adds even more local flavor to our concessions program.”
“Passengers love exploring local favorite dining options when they pass through PHL, and Insomnia Cookies will be a perfect addition to our growing ‘Founded in Philly’ offerings,” added Mel Hannah, Vice President and General Manager of MarketPlace PHL. “This new location brings one of Philly’s biggest late-night snacking traditions to the airport.”
A Chocolate Chip Off the Old Block: Philly’s Sweetest Success Story
Founded in 2003 by then-University of Pennsylvania student Seth Berkowitz, Insomnia Cookies began as a late-night college staple. Backed by an industry-leading economic model, a passionate cult-like brand following, and a powerful omni-channel strategy, the brand is now on track to scale to 1,800 bakeries globally over the next decade.
Insomnia’s headquarters, global flagship bakery and innovation hub remain in Philadelphia to this day, underscoring the late-night bakery’s ongoing focus on its growth and presence in the city where it all began.
“Philadelphia is our hometown, and we’re excited to bring our warm, delicious cookies to Philadelphia International Airport,” said Seth Berkowitz, CEO and Founder of Insomnia Cookies. “This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in our growth trajectory, proving the success of our channel expansion strategy and our ability to reach Insomniacs in unparalleled ways. By embedding the brand deeper into travel environments, we reaffirm our commitment to satisfying the cravings of Insomniacs wherever they are and lead the industry in indulgent innovation.”
In early October, Insomnia Cookies unveiled a new location at 3730 Spruce St., its 17th store in the Greater Philadelphia region. The new location, located near the University of Pennsylvania, is just a short distance from where Seth Berkowitz dreamed up the idea for Insomnia Cookies.
