Bobby Flay’s Bobby’s Burgers Opens Compact Location at RDU Airport
Chef Bobby Flay’s fast casual brand Bobby’s Burgers opened a compact 400 square foot shop in Terminal 2 Concourse C Gate C18 at Raleigh Durham International Airport on November 22, 2025. The outlet, operated in partnership with Grove Bay Concessions, brings chef driven fast casual to RDU and represents part of a broader airport expansion strategy that matters for travelers and local airport revenues.
Bobby’s Burgers began service at Raleigh Durham International Airport on November 22, 2025, installing a compact, efficiency focused footprint in Terminal 2 Concourse C near Gate C18. The space measures about 400 square feet and was configured to prioritize speed of service while incorporating a modest bar area, according to a QSR report describing the opening and the brand’s airport plans.
The concession opened through a partnership with Grove Bay Concessions, the operator responsible for day to day management and integration with airport food service operations. The QSR report noted menu highlights and positioned the RDU unit as one element of Bobby’s Burgers’ broader airport expansion strategy aimed at bringing recognizable chef led concepts into high traffic travel hubs.
For Wake County travelers the new outlet alters the terminal food landscape by adding a chef oriented quick service option alongside existing concessions. A compact format configured for fast purchases is likely to appeal to business travelers and short dwell time passengers who value quality and speed. The modest bar area also gives travelers another point for pre flight spending that may raise average concession sales per passenger.
From a market perspective the opening reflects a national trend of airports courting branded chef driven concepts to increase concession revenue and uplift passenger experience. Smaller footprints and partnerships with experienced concessionaires allow brands to scale into terminals without large capital commitments, while airports benefit from recognizable names that can attract foot traffic and higher per passenger spend.
Locally, the new shop may generate incremental sales tax and airport concession revenue and can influence retail mix decisions in future terminal development. For passengers it expands choice and aligns with broader consumer preferences for premium fast casual offerings in travel settings. Airport and concession strategies to optimize compact, speed focused formats will be one area to watch as RDU continues to evolve its food and beverage options.
