Aug 21, 2024

HMSHost Opens Transformed Chili’s® at Jacksonville International Airport

Part of JAX’s concessions upgrades, the popular dining destination has undergone a complete demolition and rebuild in a new location to offer more seating in a sleek, modern, and inviting space — elevating casual dining to enhance the passenger experience

BETHESDA, Maryland (Aug. 21, 2024) – Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL) and a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, has unveiled the much-anticipated transformation of Chili’s^® Grill & Bar at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). A traveler favorite, the dining destination is now bigger, bolder, and better than ever with added seating and offering an enhanced experience in a sleek, modern, and inviting space.

Located in its new home just beyond the new security lanes at the entrance to Concourse A, the reimagined space is now over 4,700 ft² with seating for 185 guests at the bar and in the dining room. Large groups will appreciate the flexible seating options in the open, airy venue, while guests on-the-go can enjoy the convenience of self-order kiosks along the front of the restaurant.

“Chili’s is reopening at a perfect time for JAX,” said Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh. “Construction on our third concourse is well underway, forcing several food units to permanently close. Chili’s ample seating and wide variety of menu options provides passengers a great dining experience before their flight.”

Travelers bellying up to the expanded bar are sure to love not only the abundant seating, but also the Bottoms Up Draft Beer System, an automated pour technology that offers faster service and a more sustainable beverage experience. Bottoms Up fills beer cups from the bottom up, reducing pour time substantially without compromising on taste or quality — and with virtually no waste — revolutionizing how patrons enjoy their favorite brews at JAX.

Visitors to the newly remodeled restaurant will also find the familiar comfort and flavors that have made Chili’s such a sought-after dining destination at JAX. Crowd-pleasers on the diverse menu include signature dishes such as Big Mouth Burgers^®, fajitas, Chicken Crispers^®, hand-shaken margaritas, and airport must-haves such as breakfast. Chili’s at JAX is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“We couldn’t be more excited about being back in JAX, now with double the space to serve travelers their familiar favorites as soon as they step through security,” said Chili’s VP of International Business and Global Development David Weston. “When our first location closed to make room for expanded security checkpoints, Chili’s was the highest-grossing restaurant at the airport. With our new location and added space, we have a perfect opportunity to re-introduce ourselves and to fulfill our purpose of making everyone feel special.”

HMSHost has rapidly grown the culinary options at JAX over the past two years with additions such as Firehouse Subs, BurgerFi, Southern Grounds, and Angie’s Subs. Chili’s is the sixth restaurant to open as part of a 10-year contract JAA awarded to HMSHost and Florida-based Lee Wesley, an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) joint venture partner.

“Continued improvements to Jacksonville International Airport are creating vibrant concourses anchored by expanded food and beverage options, so reimagining the already-popular Chili’s space to enhance the casual dining options at JAX has been a fun opportunity,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Stephen Douglas. “It’s another prime example of how HMSHost is continuing our work with longstanding partners like Jacksonville Aviation Authority to answer the growing demand among travelers for an airport experience as unique and engaging as the destination.”