Five new restaurants opening at RDU Airport most with a local connection

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Raleigh Durham International Airport is welcoming five new restaurants.

Read more Man accused in Wilson courthouse ambush shooting and gunfight faces new charges, NCSBI says

The five new restaurant “concepts” are located inside Terminal 2 as part of the Reimagine RDU campaign.

Officials say that Reimagine RDU is an ongoing effort to elevate the airport experience for travelers. The campaign covers everything from new dining options by renowned chefs to new technology that makes getting from parking to the gate easier.

The five new RDU restaurants are:

• Adios! by Oscar Diaz, Durham’s Top Chef contestant
• Bobby’s Burgers from celebrity chef Bobby Flay
• Bond Brothers Kitchen & Bar, a Cary-based brewery
• Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine, a concept from Durham Distillery
• Half Moon Empanadas

For local businesses opening a new location at RDU, airport officials said its an opportunity to give travelers a taste of the area before they leave town or to remind locals of home.

Read more British Open: Baldwin hits ‘terrifying’ opening shot after missing World Cup semi due to early start

“Being a part of the airport for us is absolutely phenomenal, because not only do you get to know us if you’re traveling in, but if this is your home, you can go ahead and have a martini and maybe a Cobb salad and then talk about Conniption to anyone sitting near you,” said Melissa Katrincic.

Katrincic is the CEO and co-founder of Durham Distillery, who is behind Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine. 

There are more RDU options planned for the future.

Lonerider, a Triangle-based brewery and distillery, is also preparing to open at the airport. They’ll bring their Boots Up Ale made exclusively for RDU.

Read more ‘Profound sadness’: NC family discovers deceased relative left unclaimed for months