San Diego International Airport has approved new restaurants and retail shops

SAN will add 19 restaurants and seven retail shops as part of its ongoing “New T1" project.

Kettner Exchange SAN

We’ll be adding extra time for dinner to our travel plans.

Rendering via San Diego International Airport

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New restaurants and retail stores are preparing to touch down at San Diego International Airport. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board announced a collection of local, regional, and national brands that have been approved to be included in its New Terminal 1 project.

The arts district market in San Diego International Airport rendering

The Arts District Market and murals are expected in 2025.

Rendering via San Diego International Airport

Expected in 2025

The new offerings will open in two stages, corresponding with the phases of the New T1 project. In 2025, 19 gates, new stores, and art inspired by San Diego are expected to open as part of the first phase. Be on the lookout for:

  • The Arts District Market | Check out murals painted by Chicano Park artists like Patricia Cruz. Plus, shop for travel essentials and San Diego-themed gifts.
  • SAN Supply Co. and Goods Express | This will be the first retail store after security check, with snacks, magazines, electronics, and other travel essentials.
  • Liberty Station | View and purchase art and goods made by local artists and makers.
  • Goods Univision Travel Store, No Boundaries | This shop will sell Spanish-language books and snacks popular in the Latinx community.
Herb & Air storefront rendering at San Diego International Airport

This micro-food hall has some mega offerings.

Rendering via San Diego International Airport

The first phase will also bring new restaurants to SAN like Herb & Air, a micro-food hall from award-winning chef Brian Malarkey that will offer options like seared salmon, gourmet salads, and poke bowls. Also expect to see new additions from these local brands:

  • Parakeet Café
  • Better Buzz
  • Cutwater Restaurant & Bar, with Lofty Coffee occupying a quarter of the space
  • Taco Stand
  • Ambrosio 15
Rendering of The Commissary storefront in San Diego International Airport

The USS Midway Museum will help design this store.

Rendering via San Diego International Airport

Expected in 2028

The second phase of the New T1 project will add 11 more gates, giving SAN space for stores like:

  • The Commissary | Stock up on often-forgotten travel essentials at this collaborative store that will feature the USS Midway Museum.
  • WHS Smith | Find books and travel convenience products at this international brand.
  • InMotion | Located inside WHS Smith, this space will offer electronics and a publication section by local store Meet Cute Romance Bookshop.
  • Hip & Humble | Discover national and California-inspired fashion at this lifestyle boutique.
  • Gaslamp Marketplace | This convenience store also offers pre-packaged meals and snacks.
Rendering of 900A Tony Hawk Public House

This bar is named for Tony Hawk’s famous “900" trick.

Rendering via San Diego International Airport

This phase of the project will give travelers more reasons to dig into San Diego’s culinary scene like 900A Tony Hawk Public House, a bar and eatery backed by the pro skater. Also expect to see eateries from brands you may be familiar with like:

  • Kettner Exchange
  • Puesto and Mostra Coffee
  • Understory Bar & Restaurant
  • NOVO brewing
  • El Pez Kitchen & Sushi
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Mr. Moto Pizza
  • Carnitas Snack Shack
  • SIP Wine & Beer

The project will also include a McDonald’s location and Grab & Go Subs and Café Moto, though their anticipated opening dates have not been announced.

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