Palm Beach International Airport is set to welcome new shops and dining venues after Avolta secured two 10-year contracts to develop retail and food concessions as part of the airport’s expansion and modernization programme. The agreement covers 1,281 m² of new concession space and combines specialty retail with multiple dining concepts, with openings scheduled to begin in 2026.
Avolta will deliver the project through its Hudson retail brand and its HMSHost food and beverage division, strengthening its footprint in North America. The upgrades aim to create a more locally inspired, digitally enabled experience for passengers travelling through the Florida airport.
Under the new contracts, Hudson will develop four specialty retail and travel convenience stores across the airport. From 2026, the stores will focus on a hyper-local, curated shopping experience that reflects Palm Beach’s mix of luxury, leisure and regional character, giving travellers access to locally inspired products alongside everyday travel essentials.
At the same time, HMSHost will expand its food and beverage presence in Concourse B and the Main Terminal. From summer 2026, travellers can expect a range of full-service, fast casual and quick-serve dining concepts designed to showcase South Florida’s diverse food scene, offering more variety and flexibility for different travel schedules.
“We are very happy to have been selected as the travel retail and F&B partner for Palm Beach International Airport, allowing us the opportunity to transform the travel experience,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. “We have tailored and selected these new concepts to highlight the local culture and uniqueness of Palm Beach County while also offering locally sourced products and brands that make Palm Beach County and the surrounding region a sought-after destination year-round.”
Airport leaders say the new concessions are designed to strengthen the sense of place for visitors arriving in Palm Beach. “We’re proud to introduce new concessions that highlight the flavors and spirit of Palm Beach County,” said Laura Beebe, Director of Airports. “We’re creating an experience that feels authentic to our community. These new options not only support local businesses, but also give our passengers more choice, more comfort, and a true sense of Palm Beach County from the moment they arrive.”
Digital tools and faster service for travellers
Digital engagement will play a central role in the upgraded passenger experience. The new retail and dining spaces will introduce in-store technology such as self-checkout, QR code order and pay, self-order kiosks, digital menu boards and virtual waitlists, helping travellers move through the airport more quickly and with greater convenience.
Passengers will also be able to access the Club Avolta loyalty programme, unlocking exclusive offers, rewards and cross-promotions across participating outlets. The aim is to create a seamless experience that connects shopping, dining and digital services in one integrated environment.
The expansion reflects a broader trend among airports to move beyond basic concessions and toward more experiential, locally rooted offerings that encourage travellers to spend time — and money — within terminals. By blending regional identity with smart technology, Palm Beach International Airport is positioning itself to better serve both leisure travellers heading for Florida’s beaches and business passengers moving through the region.
With construction tied to the airport’s wider modernization plans, the first phase of new stores and restaurants is expected to roll out in 2026, gradually reshaping how passengers shop, dine and navigate the terminal. For travellers passing through Palm Beach in the coming years, the airport experience is set to become more engaging, more efficient and more reflective of the destination itself.
