Popeyes is gearing up to bring its spicy chicken to San Antonio International Airport, with a compact concession headed to Terminal B’s food court this summer, according to filings and local reporting. Construction is expected to start in mid February and finish by mid June, which would have the counter ready just in time for the busy summer travel rush. The new Popeyes is part of a broader Terminal B refresh that blends big national brands with homegrown San Antonio favorites.
Permit Shows Exact Spot And Schedule
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project page, the site is listed as “Popeyes” at 9800 Airport Blvd. TB-FC1 in Terminal B, in a tenant space of roughly 664 square feet. The filing shows construction scheduled to begin Feb. 16 and conclude June 16, 2026, with an estimated project cost of about $450,000. The work is marked as a renovation of an existing concession space. WhatNow first reported the permit filing and its timeline.
Popeyes Joins A Local-First Food Court
As outlined by the City of San Antonio, the revamped post-security food court in Terminal B will line up local heavy hitters such as Bakery Lorraine, 2M BBQ and The Tasting Room alongside national chains like Popeyes. HMSHost, the concessions operator selected to run the program, also lists Popeyes among the brands it plans to bring into both Terminals A and B as part of its overhauled dining lineup.
When Travelers Can Expect Popeyes
Local reporting indicates the airport is targeting mid 2026 for the new Terminal B venues to be up and running, with Popeyes expected to be serving travelers before the July Fourth travel rush. The Express-News details a staggered schedule for openings and notes that several local concepts will replace older national vendors as the rollout progresses. For now, flyers will have to keep an eye on airport announcements for the official opening date.
Small Counter, Big Airport Ambitions
While the Popeyes buildout at SAT is relatively modest in size, it folds into the airport’s larger Terminal Development Program and the Elevate/SAT capital plan, a multibillion-dollar effort that includes a new terminal targeted for completion in 2028, according to the City of San Antonio. The project is part of a broader push to boost passenger spending while giving visitors a stronger taste of San Antonio’s culinary identity before they even leave the airport.
What This Means For San Antonians
WhatNow notes that local franchisee groups are steadily expanding Popeyes locations across the region, which helps explain why the brand keeps popping up in high-traffic spots like airports and retail centers. For travelers sprinting between gates, the new counter will offer a quick and familiar option inside a food court designed to showcase both San Antonio flavors and national quick-service staples.
