FAT file photo

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) will see a transformation in its food and beverage offerings this month as a part of the airport’s new concessions program.

Virginia-based SSP America, a division of global food and beverage brands operator SSP Group, was awarded a contract in May to operate three restaurants in the secured area of the airport.

The trio of Peet’s Coffee, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches and Mad Duck Craft Brewing Co. will grace the terminal expanse by summer 2025, according to a press release from SSP America.

Beginning this month two of the three future eateries will operate in transitional spaces, with Peet’s Coffee operating out of the terminal’s former Starbucks location and a concept called “Tap & Pour” operating out of the second floor restaurant while the buildout of Mad Duck takes place.

During the buildout, Tap & Pour will offer an exclusive menu including a Yosemite Breakfast Plate and Fresno Burger. Expanded seating at Tap & Pour will provide travelers a selection of Mad Duck’s signature draft beers on tap.

Following the buildout, Tap & Pour will transition to Mad Duck.

Peet’s Coffee’s is expected to debut its dedicated space in summer 2024, the same time Ike’s Love and Sandwiches opens its terminal doors.

Mad Duck looks to open around fall 2025.

“Partnering with SSP America on the airport’s new concession program to host a variety of preferred food and beverage offerings is a significant step to meeting passenger needs as the airport grows into its future concourse addition,” said FAT Director of Aviation Henry Thompson. “These concession concepts are envisioned to inspire a fun and lively atmosphere for a unique airport dining experience, and we are excited to introduce a new, locally inspired, concessions program in the existing terminal and new concourse.”

The partnership is one of several projects taking place in and around the airport. Last year, artist Caleb Duarte was selected to create an artistic work to adorn the newly completed parking structure. There was also a groundbreaking of a nearby Holiday Inn Express, expected to open later this year.

Earlier this summer, the airport broke ground on a new terminal to help alleviate flight and traveler traffic. FAT saw a record of more than 2.1 million passengers in 2022.