Avolta’s HMSHost opens redesigned Chili’s at Jacksonville International Airport

August 23, 2024 | Retailers

Chili’s will reopen at a new location at Jacksonville International Airport

Avolta’s global restaurateur HMSHost has announced the highly anticipated remodel of Chili’s Grill & Bar at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).

The traveler-favorite dining venue is now bigger, bolder and better than ever, with additional seating and an enhanced experience in a sleek, modern and inviting setting.

Located in its new home just past the new security checkpoints at the entrance to Concourse A, the redesigned space now measures over 4,500 square feet and seats 185 guests in the bar and dining room. Large groups will appreciate the flexible seating in the open, airy venue, while guests on the go can enjoy the convenience of the self-service kiosks at the front of the restaurant.

Mark VanLoh, CEO of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, said, “Chili’s reopens at just the right time for JAX. Construction on our third concourse is underway, forcing several food and beverage outlets to close permanently. Chili’s offers passengers a great pre-flight dining experience with its ample seating and wide variety of menu options.”

Travelers will appreciate the ample seating and the Bottoms Up Draft Beer System, an automated draft technology that offers faster service and a more sustainable drinking experience. Bottoms Up fills beer mugs from the bottom up, significantly reducing draft time without compromising taste or quality—and there’s virtually no waste—revolutionizing the way guests enjoy their favorite beer on JAX.

Visitors to the newly redesigned restaurant will also find the familiar comfort and flavors that have made Chili’s such a sought-after dining destination in JAX. Crowd favorites on the diverse menu include specialties like Big Mouth Burgers, fajitas, chicken crispers, hand-shaken margaritas and airport must-haves like breakfast. Chili’s at JAX is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

David Weston, Chili’s Vice President of International Business and Global Development, commented, “We are thrilled to be back in JAX, now with twice the space to serve travelers their usual favorite dishes once they go through security. When our first location closed to make room for expanded security checkpoints, Chili’s was the highest-grossing restaurant at the airport. With our new location and additional space, we have the perfect opportunity to reinvent ourselves and achieve our goal of making everyone feel special.”

HMSHost has expanded the culinary offerings on JAX over the past two years with new restaurants such as Firehouse Subs, BurgerFi, Southern Grounds and Angie’s Subs. Chili’s is the sixth restaurant to open under a 10-year contract awarded by JAA to HMSHost and Florida-based Lee Wesley, a joint venture partner of Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).

“As Jacksonville International Airport continues to make improvements, the concourses are vibrant with expanded food and beverage offerings, it was a great opportunity to revamp the already popular Chili’s space to expand the casual dining options at JAX,” said Stephen Douglas, Vice President of Business Development at HMSHost. “It’s another prime example of how HMSHost continues our collaboration with long-standing partners like the Jacksonville Aviation Authority to meet travelers’ growing demand for an airport experience that is as unique and exciting as the destination.”