Avolta claims two 10-year contracts at Washington Dulles International Airport

Leading global travel retail and F&B player Avolta has been awarded two 10-year contracts at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), a key hub serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The new contracts will add over 700 square meters of retail and dining space in the new 14-gate Concourse E, scheduled to open in late 2026.

Avolta’s Hudson will open five new locations, introducing a lineup of locally inspired stores exclusive to the airport and showcasing local businesses. A hybrid concept will blend travel retail and food & beverage, offering travelers convenience while optimizing their time with shopping moments. A collection of automated retail points will provide 24-hour dining options from popular U.S. brands, supporting an on-demand passenger experience.

Complementing the retail offering, Avolta’s HMSHost will introduce local and award-winning craft spirit company MurLarkey Distilled Spirits through a new bar and restaurant, reinforcing the company’s strategy to integrate premium local brands to drive differentiation and growth.

Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta, said, “With Concourse E, we have the opportunity to reimagine what the passenger experience at Dulles International can be. We’ve crafted a travel retail and F&B offering we are proud of, one that puts the traveler at the center by creating a journey that is enjoyable and memorable. We are pleased to partner with MWAA, Fraport USA, and passionate small business partners to realize this vision.”

Chryssa Westerlund, Airports Authority Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer added, “The new Concourse E will enhance the entire travel experience at Dulles International and is part of the multi-year Dulles Next airport construction program to accommodate future growth. This next-generation concourse represents our commitment to innovation, customer service and showcasing the best of the Washington region. We welcome the partnership with Avolta and Fraport USA that will bring travelers new travel retail and dining experiences that reflect the spirit of our community.”

Digital engagement will be a core component of the new shopping experience, leveraging in-store technology such as self-checkout, allowing for greater convenience and speed. Travelers will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, gaining access to exclusive offers, rewards, and cross-promotions.

New outlets with Hudson

With the unveiling of Concourse E, Hudson will introduce:

• District &Co. + Starbucks, a hybrid space that will offer travelers 24/7 access to gourmet coffee, baked goods, and pre-packaged sandwiches and salads, alongside a variety of travel necessities, healthy and indulgent snacks, bottled beverages, tech accessories, books and magazines, a curated collection of local items, and more.

• Mercantile 1749, inspired by Old Town Alexandria’s charm and timeless appeal. The store will feature beloved shops like Made in ALX and The Old Town Shop as well as the collection of travel essentials for which travelers have come to know and love from Hudson.

• Tidal Trading by Hudson, a travel convenience store that reflects one of Washington, D.C.’s most striking and breathtaking sights, the Tidal Basin. The store will blend convenience items with a robust selection of Grab & Go items and gourmet snacks from local brands like Together We Bake and Capital Candy Jar.

• Metro Made, a one-stop souvenir shop for travelers to bring home a memento of their journey. The assortment will include mugs, stickers, children’s items, apparel, and local gifts that capture the spirit of the region.

• Beltway Bites, a fast, flavorful, and endlessly flexible automated retail space that will offer a variety of ready-to-eat items, both hot and cold, 24 hours a day. Travelers will be able to order food via touchscreen from some of their favorite restaurant brands.

MurLarkey Distilled Spirits Flights & Bites‍

Fraport Washington Partnership, which manages concessions for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), awarded HMSHost the contract to open the 970-square-foot 2 bar and restaurant, MurLarkey Distilled Spirits Flights & Bites, which will debut in late 2026.

“HMSHost has called the National Capital Region home for many years, so we welcome the opportunity to partner with MWAA, Fraport, and MurLarkey Distilled Spirits to make the journey through Dulles International one that reflects the surrounding community – in this instance, the thriving craft beverage scene built by talented local entrepreneurs,” Johnson said.

“We are grateful to share the vision of what a reimagined traveler experience at Dulles International can be and look forward to unveiling this exciting taste of place in Concourse E.”

“As part of the Airports Authority’s Dulles Next airport construction program, the new Concourse E will accommodate future growth and provide a premier travel experience for our passengers. By featuring MurLarkey Distilled Spirits at Dulles International, the airport will showcase the creativity and quality that define Northern Virginia’s local producers,” Westerlund added. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the traveler experience with authentic regional offerings that connect the airport to the community it serves.”

MurLarkey Distilled Spirits will allow travelers to discover its premium spirits, including its Birthright Bourbon, Heritage Barrel Aged Whiskey, Papi’s Salsa Borracha Vodka, and Imagination Botanical Gin, alongside an all-day menu thoughtfully composed by HMSHost chefs with premium ingredients to pair well with the elevated tasting experience.

Tom Murray, MurLarkey CEO, commented, “We are thrilled to bring MurLarkey’s award-winning spirits and heartfelt hospitality to Dulles International Airport, a gateway to the world and a proud symbol of our region’s innovation and culture. This partnership with HMSHost and MWAA allows us to share the spirit of Virginia with travelers from every corner of the globe, offering them a uniquely local, elevated experience. ‘Flights & Bites’ isn’t just a bar, it’s a taste of home, wherever you’re headed.

“As proud champions of Virginia agri-tourism, we’re honored to represent the best of our state’s farms, fields, and flavors on a global stage.”