DFW Airport is clearing space for a new wave of North Texas flavor. The airport has kicked off a request-for-proposals for 14 new restaurant and retail spots across its terminals, with leaders saying they want travelers to know they have landed in Dallas–Fort Worth the moment they step off the plane. Proposals are due in early February.
What DFW is looking for
According to a release from the DFW Airport Newsroom, the RFP covers 11 food-and-beverage opportunities and three specialty retail locations spread across Terminals A, B, E and the planned Terminal F. The airport says it is open to everything from fast-casual and grab-and-go concepts to frozen treats, popcorn and cosmetics.
"As we build new gates, reimagine existing spaces and construct a new Terminal F, DFW Airport is committed to showcasing our region through our shops and restaurants," Chief Revenue Officer Ken Buchanan said.
How to get in the mix
Industry coverage notes that the RFP is open for submissions through Feb. 2, 2026, and that DFW is primarily targeting local and regional operators. Airport Improvement reports that proposals are expected to reflect the tastes and character of North Texas, with applicants asked to submit menus, operational plans and basic financials for review.
Small players get a runway
To keep the field from being dominated by the usual national chains, the airport is leaning on its Small Business Enterprise Concession (SBEC) program to encourage bids from homegrown firms. In materials shared through the DFW Airport Newsroom, officials highlight outreach presentations and a partner-match database designed to help smaller operators team up with experienced airport concessionaires. The goal is to lower the bar to entry for neighborhood brands that might lack airport experience but not loyal fans.
Why this matters for North Texas
Airport concessions are not just about grabbing a snack before boarding. Reporting tied to the RFP notes that DFW's concessions operations generated an estimated $4.2 billion in gross product in 2024, supported more than 48,000 direct and indirect jobs and delivered roughly $698 million in state and local tax revenue. Airport Improvement connects those numbers to a recent economic-impact study.
The timing also lines up with the airport's multibillion-dollar DFW Forward modernization program, including an accelerated Terminal F buildout and a rebuilt Terminal C that local coverage has tracked, according to D Magazine.
For would-be operators, the clock is ticking. Proposals must be uploaded to the airport's procurement portal before the Feb. 2 deadline. The full RFP and submission instructions are available on the Bonfire procurement platform.
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