What's Cooking at Sky Harbor's Terminal 4?

Changes are happening over at Sky Harbor International Airport, and we're not just talking about the otherworldly metal arches that recently went up at 44th Street and Washington in preparation for the PHX Sky Train. The grub offered inside Terminal 4 is also headed for a major overhaul. Last year,...

By Wynter Holden

May 11, 2011

With 3 days left in our summer campaign,
we have a new $10,000 goal!

Phoenix New Times members have already contributed more than $7,000 - can you help us hit our new goal to provide even more coverage of current events when it’s needed most? If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$10,000

$8,500

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "21251496",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "21327862",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "16759093",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "21934225",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25          
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17012245",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Changes are happening over at Sky Harbor International Airport, and we're not just talking about the otherworldly metal arches that recently went up at 44th Street and Washington in preparation for the PHX Sky Train. The grub offered inside Terminal 4 is also headed for a major overhaul.

Last year, Sky Harbor announced they would be taking bids on two new "Master Concessionaire" contracts to provide all of the restaurants and concession services inside Terminal 4. Proposals for the first contract have already been submitted and are currently under review.

According to Deputy Aviation Director Deborah Ostreicher, the winner of the first contract will be announced at an upcoming City Council meeting -- likely in mid-June. Following the awarding of that first contract, visitors to the terminal can expect to see the first wave of new restaurants pop up in late 2012. Proposals that aren't selected in the first round can be resubmitted for consideration for the second contract.

Which popular local restaurants will be moving into Terminal 4? Click through...

Maryland-based HMS Host is still operating the terminal's current selection of national chains and local restaurants such as Oaxaca and El Bravo on a month-to-month basis following the expiration of a contract that began when the terminal first opened.

The big question on everyone's mind is: Which restaurants will replace the current ones? If the buzz that's circulating in the culinary community is any indication, locals could spot outposts of their favorite CenPho coffee shop or Mexican restaurant owned by a James
Beard award-nominated chef at Terminal 4 soon. Check back for more info in coming weeks, as the winners are announced.

Terminal 4 is often the first impression travelers have of Phoenix. Which local chefs or restaurants would you like to see there?

Follow Chow Bella on Facebook and Twitter.

Wynter Holden

A message from Food & Drink Editor Tirion Boan: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Phoenix's evolving dining scene and the chefs and restaurants that serve our community.

Support Today