Catching a flight this Christmas season? For the first time in nearly two years, the food scene in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is almost back to normal.
State of the situation: 82% of food, beverage and retail providers have reopened since the pandemic began, according to airport officials.
- Yes, but: Don’t expect the same hours of operation. Suppliers and airport management often have to weigh staffing and whether terminals are busy to determine business opening and closing hours, which can change daily.
Between lines: MSP, like the airline industry in general, has not escaped the labor shortage that followed last year’s licensing and layoffs.
- MSP has more than 500 job openings throughout the airport, which means leaders have to strategically choose which retail and dining options are in operation, said Isabella Rhawie, deputy director of concessions and business development for the airport.
These are some of our picks for airport meals. Be sure to check the schedule online.
💺 For the one near your door: MSP ASAP offers delivery from approximately 20 airport restaurants, such as Blue Door Pub, Smack Shack and People’s Organic, to passengers in less than 30 minutes, no matter where they are.
🌅 For those with an early flight: Angel Food Bakery in Terminal 1, Concourse E opens at 5 a.m. with fresh donuts from the bakery location in St. Louis Park.
🍔 For those who want local flavor: Food Truck Alley in Terminal 1, Concourse E features Twin Cities Holy Land Deli and Red Cow restaurants.
🍺 For those who need a beer: Stone Arch at Terminal 1’s MSP Mall partners with the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild to keep around 30 local beers available.
⌛️ For the latecomer: If you’re short on time, a new Subway vending machine in Terminal 2 dispenses fresh sandwiches, which are restocked throughout the day at the nearby restaurant.
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