HSV announced in 2024 that a 10-year contract for new airport concessions was awarded to Tailwind Hospitality, headquartered in Wilmington, N.C.

“At Huntsville International, we know that our customers want to be able to enjoy their favorite food and beverages while in their favorite airport, and with Tailwind Hospitality as our concessions partner, we are able to begin providing updated, upscale amenities within months,” said Butch Roberts, Huntsville International Airport CEO.

Every aspect of food and beverage offered in the airport will be addressed in the new concessions plan. Construction will completely revamp the existing restaurant and bar with a fresh new décor scheme and replace the current short order kitchen with a full line kitchen capable of dishing up gourmet, made-to-order selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ingredients will be sourced locally. A phased plan means that fresh food and beverages will be available throughout construction.

“There will be a dramatic transformation of the airport concessions at HSV in the next 18 months.” said Tailwind CEO Jeff Switzer. “We are proud to be able to help expand amenities at the airport, building out things that haven’t been here before, and with local brands. “

Additionally, new food and beverage options will enhance offerings including a pre-security coffee shop adjacent to the Public Waiting area. A completely new pizza bar, Interstellar Pizza, has been built near Gate 10 in the concourse. New sundry/souvenir stores will occupy the existing retail facilities, but both pre-security and post-security shopping will undergo complete renovation to create bright, open spaces with conveniently-placed merchandise for the on-the-go traveler. Tailwind has a mission to add more local products in the retail spaces, too.

Tailwind Hospitality is a leading food, beverage and retail airport and transit station concessionaire to 59 U.S. locations providing first-rate services and high-quality products for more than two decades. Tailwind works with more than 40 popular consumer brands including Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Caribou Coffee, Smashburger, Jersey Mike’s, Pei Wi Asian Kitchen, Baskin Robbins and Sambazon, as well as Amazon Just Walk Out shopping and Vera Bradley. Tailwind is headquartered in Wilmington, N.C.

“Tailwind celebrates the communities in which we are located by prioritizing the sourcing of local goods,” Switzer said. “We strive to give a sense of place. We really want to work collaboratively with the Airport to represent Huntsville and North Alabama properly. Huntsville is a smart community, and we look forward to becoming a part of it.”