John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana quietly cut the ribbon on its first batch of new dining and retail spots on Feb. 19, rolling out a Dunkin' and refreshed shops that officials say are just the opening act in a larger terminal makeover. County supervisors and airport leaders showed up for the small-scale ceremony, pitching the rollout as a win for local businesses and weary travelers looking for more than a granola bar before takeoff.
What’s Open And Where
According to John Wayne Airport, the first wave includes Dunkin' (run by HMSHost), Harbor Exchange (run by Paradies Lagardère) and Brookstone (run by Hudson). Dunkin' is set up pre-security at Terminal B baggage claim, while Harbor Exchange and Brookstone sit post-security near Gate 8 in Terminal A. The airport said each ribbon-cutting came with brief remarks and photo ops, a mini press tour for each new tenant.
Who’s Behind The Rollout
HMSHost holds a 15-year contract to develop more than 32,100 square feet of concessions across Terminals A, B and C and will operate many of the new dining options. In a May 2024 press release, HMSHost said it plans to bring in a mix of national brands and Orange County originals, naming concepts such as Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Chaupain Bakery, Sgt. Pepperoni’s and Five Vines Wine Bar. The company framed the program as a blend of local flavor and quick-service choices that work for tight connections and early flights alike.
County Officials’ Pitch
Vice Chair Katrina Foley cast the openings as the start of a broader investment, saying the county is “investing more than $50 million into transforming the entire terminal” and expects the program to generate “$11.4 million in annual revenue.” Those figures appear in a press release from Vice Chair Foley's office, which says the concessions are meant to create jobs and showcase local businesses alongside national names. Airport Director Charlene Reynolds added that growing food and retail choices is part of curating a more modern guest experience, according to the airport.
How The Plan Took Shape
The concession awards and the larger redevelopment plan were approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors in May 2024 after a competitive RFP process, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. That coverage noted that supervisors expected construction and tenant rollouts to stretch from 2025 through 2027, with a mix of familiar chains and local operators filling out the space. This month’s ribbon-cuttings mark the first visible phase of that multi-year plan for anyone walking the concourses.
What Travelers Will Notice
For passengers, the changes should translate into more grab-and-go coffee options, local bakery treats and a wider range of retail choices as the redevelopment comes online in stages. The airport is directing travelers to its website for a full tenant list and ongoing updates as additional spots open their doors.
