Time was when national fast food chains dominated the dining landscape at most U.S. airports. While the likes of McDonald’s and Subway have hardly vanished from terminals, concessions companies are increasingly wooing popular local eateries and celebrity chefs to bring their signature menu items to the traveling public.

Nowhere will that be more apparent than in San Diego’s new Terminal 1, where 18 of the 21 food and beverage venues will originate from local brands. For the first phase of the new 19-gate terminal opening the evening of Sept. 22, just one of the 12 bars and restaurants will be a national chain — McDonald’s.

Al pastor tacos, gyro pitas, Parisian pastries, espresso martinis, and Tijuana’s caesar salad from a restaurant helmed by a celebrity chef and a local skateboarding le

See Full Page