Richmond International Airport to Seek New Dining Vendors in Major Refresh

By Billy Briefman · July 13, 2026 · 2 min read read

RIC to Issue RFP for New Food and Beverage Operators, Airport Commissioners Told Richmond International Airport officials informed airport commissioners on July 13 that the facility will soon seek...

RIC to Issue RFP for New Food and Beverage Operators, Airport Commissioners Told

Richmond International Airport officials informed airport commissioners on July 13 that the facility will soon seek proposals from new food and beverage operators to serve the traveling public.

Originally reported by Richmond BizSense. Richmond BizSense

The upcoming request for proposals (RFP) signals a potential shift in the dining landscape at RIC as the Capital Region Airport Commission looks to refresh its concessions. This move allows the airport to evaluate current service standards and explore new culinary options for the millions of passengers who pass through the terminal annually.

Seeking New Concession Proposals

According to reports provided to the airport commissioners, the formal RFP process will invite vendors to compete for the right to operate within the airport’s concourses. The commission uses these competitive bidding cycles to ensure that food and beverage offerings align with passenger demand and modern airport standards.

The current timeline and specific requirements for the RFP remain under the direction of the commission. While the source material does not list specific brands or local restaurants currently under consideration, the process typically opens the door for both national franchises and regional operators to pitch their concepts.

Managing Airport Growth

The decision to issue an RFP follows a period of significant activity for RIC. By reopening these contracts, the commission maintains oversight of the revenue-generating spaces that support the airport's independent operations. According to the commission, these concessions play a vital role in the overall passenger experience and the facility's financial health.

The commission did not provide a specific date for when the RFP will be officially released to the public or when they expect to select the winning vendors.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Richmond BizSense. Channel RVA provides this coverage with additional local context for the Richmond community.