New Restaurants, Retailers Coming To Airport

INDIANAPOLIS -- Numerous new restaurants and retailers with a mix of Indianapolis' favorites and top national brands are coming to Indianapolis International Airport this fall.

In a little more than 100 days, the airport's major facelift, including a new terminal, parking garage and interstate access, is expected to be completed. With it, new retailers hope to attract travelers with staples and quirky goods.

Just Pop In, a gourmet popcorn shop in Broad Ripple owned by twin sisters Mandy and Carly Swift, will be ready.

"We received our acceptance letter. We literally jumped up and down," Mandy Swift said. "It was a very exciting moment."

Fifty restaurants and retailers were selected from about 275 that had requested space at the airport, 6News' Renee Jameson reported.

Shapiro's Deli, Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express and Starbucks are among the new offerings.

Local favorite Harry and Izzy's will serve St. Elmo's famous shrimp cocktail -- very hot but also very tasty.

"To offer that searing sensation to people as a first or a last impression before they head home is exciting," said Craig Huse, of Harry and Izzy's.

Borders and Champps, as well as Indianapolis' favorite bistro, Café Patachou, are moving in, as is the Indianapolis 500 Grill.

"We're really creating a historically themed restaurant so we can tell our story all the way from 1909 to 2008," said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president.

For Just Pop In, a small business with a growing reputation, an airport presence is a chance of a lifetime.

"We've always been big dreamers. With that said, we started small. But really, this is a dream come true," Carly Swift said.

The $1.1 billion airport project is expected to open on Oct. 28.