Jaunted

· Anaheim Ducks Restaurant at SNA
Southern California might not be known for hockey, but visitors arriving at John Wayne Airport may feel differently. The airport is set to debut an Anaheim Ducks-themed restaurant, and they recently even opened up the restaurant’s name to an online contest—no results so far. Expect a floor that looks just like an ice rink—don’t worry, no skates necessary—as well as plenty of Ducks related paraphernalia. There will be burgers, wings, nachos, and other stadium staples. It sounds like a solid airport option especially with a beer in one hand and fries in the other.

· Shula’s Bar & Grill at RSW
Football fans need to look no further than Southern Florida to fill up, as Don Shula—famous Miami Dolphins coach—is bringing his restaurant empire into the area’s airports. He’s bumping a Chili’s Too—good riddance—out of Southwest Florida International in favor of his Shula’s Bar & Grill. There is also an outpost of the restaurant scheduled to open in Miami this month—just in case that’s where your grandparents spend the winter. Expect burgers, sandwiches, steaks, but with prices that won’t break the bank, unlike the steakhouse locations Shula runs outside the airport.

· Granite City Food & Brewery at IND
We haven’t had the pleasure of flying through Indianapolis International Airport, but we have it on our list as it’s always winning all kinds of awards. Well now IND is moving full speed ahead with its dining options as Granite City Food & Brewery is scheduled to open on April 5. We realize they’re a chain, but they do have all the airport delay staples including plenty of ales and lagers, steaks, chicken, and burgers. There’s also a pleasing variety of appetizer options as well including quesadillas, wings, and whatever Idaho Nachos are.

· Plenty of New Stuff coming to SLC
Some of the offerings at Salt Lake City International Airport might be a long time coming, as the airport is in the process of kicking out many of its former shops and restaurants. In their place will be more local establishments which is something that we can definitely support. Those in Utah probably know about many of these places, but we’re eager to try them all out when the upgrades are complete in about 18 months. Veloce Cucina Toscana, Market Street Grill, Salt Lake Pizza and Pasta, Millcreek Coffee, Greek Souvlaki, and Cafe Rio are just some of the new places hitting the airport terminals and concourses—sorry Sbarro!

Related Stories:
· Smashburger Gets Closer to NYC With a Newark Airport Location [Village Voice]
· Southwest Florida International Airport Plans Changes to Dining Options [News-Press]
· Ducks Invite Fans to Name Their John Wayne Airport Restaurant [OC Weekly]
· Granite City Food & Brewery To Open At Indianapolis International Airport [The Street]
· Airport Overhaul Includes Blend of Local Shops and Chains [Salt Lake City Tribune]
· Airport Food coverage [Jaunted]

[Photos: Dyanna and Sebastian Brinkenfeldt]