Sarasota is known for a lot of things—arts, culture and beaches, of course, but also a thriving local food scene, from vibrant craft breweries to long-standing seafood institutions and burger joints to creative independent operations. Now, with a refreshed roster of food and beverage purveyors at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), CEO Paul Hoback wants to spotlight that food scene for newcomers. 

“Seventy percent of our passengers are people who are flying here to really enjoy the region, the incredible arts and culture and the restaurant scene,” says Hoback. “You want to be able to represent that inside the airport.” 

With the opening of Concourse A last January and renovations to Concourse B completed this March, Hoback believes it was important to take the opportunity to introduce the community to SRQ’s expanded concession options. At a “First Class Flavors” event in June showcasing the airport’s restaurants and concessionaires, he put that theory to the test. Representatives from various restaurants offered a variety of food attendees could snack on, while a musician playing steel drums set a laid back and tropical ambiance. Hoback says that he got the idea of including the steel drums while strolling through St. Armands Circle. They offer “that island and beach vibe that you get,” Hoback says.

In Concourse A, visitors will find outposts of Anna Maria Oyster Bar, a seafood-focused local chain; Patricks 1481, whose flagship location in downtown Sarasota has been open for more than 40 years; and Sarasota To Go, which has a full coffee bar featuring Peet’s Coffee. 

Concourse B is home to Mattison’s, another local mini-chain serving creative Mediterranean and Italian dishes; Bradenton-based Motorworks Brewing; Starbucks; Wahlburgers; and The Shoppes at Siesta Key, which offers salads, sandwiches, and baked goods from local grocer Morton’s Market. 

At the First Class Flavors event, representatives from the listed restaurants from both concourses and pre-security restaurants offered a variety of food attendees could snack on. 

Mattison’s, founded in 2001 by Chef Paul Mattison, served meatballs topped with fresh ricotta and an oven-roasted tomato with fresh basil pesto, creamy goat cheese, sweet balsamic glaze and crisp bread. While the company has physical restaurants throughout Sarasota, Mattison says that having a location in the airport lets passengers get a chance to enjoy local cuisine right out of the gate. 

“I grew up in an Italian family, so I tend to lean on more of those Mediterranean flavors,” says Mattison. “But I think the most important part is great ingredients, and cooking things properly, and keeping it fresh and simple.” 

Starbucks—a favorite of weary travelers in need of caffeine—offered pastries like lemon, chocolate pistachio, and banana bread loaves and flaky butter croissants, offering their classic dark roast and Pike Place roast to wash it all down.

Huey Magoo’s, a fast-growing national chain, presented its simple chicken strips with fries and a flavorful signature sauce, officially called Magoo’s Dip,  that added a nice tang to the chicken and acted as an excuse to slather it all over your fries.  

Another chicken option—Patricks 1481’s Thai chicken flatbread—was topped with broccoli, grilled chicken and peppers, and Thai chili sauce, creating a robust combination of flavors. 

And Motorworks Brewing, known for its craft beer, offered attendees a refreshing, non-alcoholic reprieve with their Matcha Mockito. The matcha powder complements the drink’s mint, lime, and club soda, and it’s a great way to cool down, especially in this summer heat. 

Here’s a more in-depth look into what some of the new stores at SRQ are offering. 

Pre-Security

Suncoast Trading & Bar

This to-go bar acts like an all-stop shop for almost anything you need before your flight. Need a breakfast sandwich to eat before your early morning flight or a book for the long hours ahead? Maybe a charging cord because you forgot it at home? You'll find it here.

Concourse A

Sarasota To Go/Peet’s

This grab-and-go store has all the little travel accessories you forgot at home, plus all the coffee you need to charge up for a long flight, courtesy of Peet's full coffee bar. 

Anna Maria Oyster Bar

This restaurant, locally known as AMOB, is uniquely Floridian not only in its atmosphere, but in the food it offers—including, as its name suggests, oysters that you can order steamed, roasted, paired with a chimichurri sauce or sprinkled with some Parmesan on top. 

Patricks 1481

Known for its award-winning burgers, Patricks offers a selection for brunch, lunch, and dinner, including steak, seafood and cocktails.

Concourse B

Jimmy John's 

Jimmy John's serves wraps, sandwiches, chips, a variety of sides and more. 

Starbucks

Pair the coffee you need to get through your early morning flight with a croissant, egg bites or slice of banana bread loaf and you’ve basically completed the early bird checklist. 

Mattison's

This local chain leans Italian Mediterranean, with offerings ranging from meatballs to couscous salad to a wagyu melt.

Motorworks Brewing

Beer enthusiasts, this is for you. This outpost of the popular Bradenton-based brewery has more than 20 rotating beers on tap, including customer favorites like the refreshing Pulp Friction Grapefruit. 

Huey Magoo’s

Sometimes you just need to eat chicken tenders—and that's what you'll find at Huey Magoo’s, with breaded or grilled tenders that also come in mini “bites” you can smother in buffalo, garlic Parmesan or its signature Magoo’s Dip. 

The Shoppes at Siesta Key

Shop for travel accessories or souvenirs and grab coffee and baked goods, courtesy of Morton’s Market.

Wahlburgers

A national chain started by the Wahlburg brothers (and yes, this includes Mark "Marky Mark" Wahlburg), this restaurant offers a full menu, including gourmet Angus beef burgers served with signature Wahl sauce, plus an assortment of sides and boozy shakes to wash it all down. 

The Salty Key

A bar serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus premade food travelers for grab-and-go.