News Summary
Asheville Regional Airport is set for a remarkable transformation with a $400 million expansion project named AVL Forward. This initiative, in partnership with Paradies Lagardère, aims to enhance the airport’s dining and shopping options, providing travelers with a variety of restaurants and retail stores. Phase 1 of the project is anticipated to open in summer 2025, featuring popular establishments like Jimmy John’s and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. The second phase, expected by 2027, will further expand offerings, showcasing local flavors and creating a vibrant airport experience for 2.25 million annual passengers.
Asheville is Ready for a Tasty Transformation at Its Regional Airport
Exciting times are ahead for travelers as Asheville Regional Airport gears up for an impressive transformation! The airport is joining forces with Paradies Lagardère to unveil a dazzling array of restaurant and retail options as part of a staggering $400 million expansion project dubbed AVL Forward. It’s a journey that’ll take you not just to new destinations, but also treat your taste buds right at the terminal!
What’s Cooking? Phase 1 Sets the Stage
Phase 1 of this ambitious construction effort is set to open its doors by summer 2025. Are you ready for some fresh dining options? The first phase will highlight a seven-gate north concourse that includes:
- Jimmy John’s – Perfect for a speedy sandwich fix!
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Ideal for a refreshing sip between flights.
- The Goods@AVL – A hot new retail shop, offering grab-and-go meals, local gifts, and artisan products, making it the perfect pitstop.
- Plus, travelers can enjoy two temporary concessions: Costa Coffee serving up coffee and baked goods, and Aletitude with a selection of beers, wines, cocktails, and tasty snacks!
With so many delicious options, travelers and locals alike are in for a treat.
Looking Forward to Phase 2
But wait — there’s more to come! Phase 2 is just around the corner, scheduled for completion by 2027. Get ready for a veritable cornucopia of flavor and flair with:
- Appalachian Exchange – A unique market-style retail store featuring local products that showcase the true spirit of the region.
- Smoky Grounds – Coffee lovers can rejoice at this coffee shop featuring local roasters and on-the-go items.
- Beercode Kitchen & Bar – Enjoy a sit-down experience at this gastropub-style restaurant, complete with local craft beers to savor.
- Vino Volo – A stylish wine bar that offers the best of local wines and craft cocktails.
- Travel@ease and Costa Coffee will include convenient 24/7 vending options for fresh snacks and coffee to satisfy any craving!
More Than Just a Terminal: Enhancing the Experience
Did you know that Asheville Regional Airport currently welcomes over 2.25 million passengers each year? It’s no small feat, making it the third-largest airport in North Carolina! Supporting six airlines and providing nonstop flights to 27 destinations means that this expanded terminal is set to cater to a lot of hungry travelers.
The vision behind this terminal expansion is to enhance the passenger experience, offering an assortment of local and national food concepts that delight everyone from travelers on a schedule to vacationers wanting to try something new. The design by Paradies Lagardère is also grounded in supporting local businesses, reflecting the warm, community-focused nature of Asheville.
Get Ready, Asheville!
With so many mouth-watering options in the pipeline, Asheville is reinventing the way we think about airport dining and shopping. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, travelers are sure to feel like they’ve landed not just at an airport, but at a lively hub of culture and good taste! So, whether you’re just stopping by or taking flight, mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in an airport experience like never before!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Regional Airport Welcomes Over 2 Million Passengers Again
Allegiant Launches Seasonal Nonstop Flights from Asheville to Florida
Additional Resources
- Blue Ridge Now: Asheville Airport Retail & Restaurants
- AVLtoday: New Food & Retail Options at Asheville Airport
- WSPA: Asheville Airport New Concourse Announcement
- Wikipedia: Asheville Regional Airport
- Google Search: Asheville Regional Airport restaurants new retail
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
