New concessions opportunities open for MSP’s Terminal 2

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is redeveloping and expanding concessions in Terminal 2 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). A request for proposals (RFP) has been released outlining opportunities for eight new venues to replace existing businesses with expiring leases or to open within new spaces as part of a terminal expansion project that began this summer.

“MSP’s expansive concessions program is providing the first opportunity in 10 years for local and national operators to pitch new concepts, flavors and brands at Terminal 2,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the MAC, which owns and operates MSP Airport. “We are focused on refreshing our concessions lineup to ensure we continue to provide quality food and retail offerings of varying price points, and innovative spaces and technology that meet growing passenger demands.”

Terminal 2 had its busiest month ever this past March, serving a record 711,612 passengers and supporting 4,588 airline operations. The 14-gate terminal serves Twin Cities-based Sun Country Airlines and six other domestic and international air carriers.

Eight units totaling 14,000 square feet are included in the concessions RFP. Two of them are new concessions spaces within a $263 million Terminal 2 expansion project that will add two additional airline gates and other facilities on the north end of the terminal by early 2027.  

“We’re looking for a balance of local and national concepts — food and retail — that meets our customers’ needs, paired with concessions operators who have experience delivering quality service in a high-traffic environment,” said MAC interim Vice President of Revenue Development Isabella Rhawie. “This is a great opportunity for business owners who may want to explore expanding at MSP to help evolve our offerings for a wide range of customers.”

The RFP outlines the desired concepts, which will be located in the center of the terminal to the north. They include a local full-service restaurant, two national quick-service restaurants (burgers and fresh salads/sandwiches), one bar, three coffee shops (one to be located pre-security), and one news and convenience store. 

The eight venues will be grouped into four batches, with 10-year lease terms. Each batch has a 30% Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation goal.

Interested firms will be required to attend a pre-proposal conference on Sept. 17 to be considered qualified proposers. The MAC has more information online where interested parties can register to download the Terminal 2 concessions RFP. Proposals are due on Dec. 9, 2024.

MSP’s concessions program consists of more than 125 food, retail and specialty services venues across two terminals. MSP’s most recent concessions RFP led to the redevelopment of 35 units in Terminal 1 between 2017 and 2020. MSP is the 18th busiest airport in the United States, serving more than 34.7 million passengers in 2023.