Indianapolis International Airport is refreshing its dining lineup with a new restaurant built around a longtime local popcorn brand, a culinary incubator and several additional food and beverage concepts scheduled to open over the coming months.

The Indianapolis Airport Authority announced that Just Pop In!, a gourmet popcorn shop that has operated at the airport for years, will reassign its lease to CC Holdings to make way for Pop Fly Diner. The new concept will combine popcorn-inspired comfort food, all-day brunch and a craft bar program.

CC Holdings, a local woman-owned hospitality company that operates multiple concessions at the airport, will work with chef Steve Oakley to develop the menu. Planned offerings include corn grits with smoked pulled pork, shrimp and corn spring rolls, burgers with popcorn-flavored toppings and popcorn-inspired desserts.

“Since creating Just Pop In! in 2003, we’ve learned that the people we choose to partner with is incredibly important to us and our brand,” said co-owners Mandy Selke and Carly Swift. “Under the new agreement, Just Pop In! will continue to delight travelers with its signature gourmet popcorn through Pop Fly, which brings a brand-new dining experience to the airport.”

Construction on the Pop Fly Diner space is expected to begin in early 2027.

The airport also plans to convert the current Nature’s Table location in Civic Plaza into Indy Eats, a culinary incubator that will provide emerging Indianapolis-area food businesses with an opportunity to reach airport travelers. The concept, which will be guided by Oakley, is anticipated to open in early 2027.

Other changes include a redesign of Shapiro’s Delicatessen in Concourse B. The restaurant is scheduled to close in late October and reopen in early spring 2027 with new travel-friendly portions. Java House Bistro and Lift Off Tavern, featuring Daredevil Brewery, are both targeting openings in Concourse A during the fourth quarter of 2026.

The changes are part of the airport’s ongoing effort to expand its mix of local and national concessions while giving travelers more dining options.

“Dining and retail, along with exceptional customer service and world-class local art, are a huge part of how we shape a traveler’s experience in the terminal,” said Maggie Cunningham, director of air service and airport experience. “We want every stop in our terminal, whether it’s grabbing a meal before a flight, picking up a local artisan gift on the way home, or enjoying the many art exhibits, to feel like a genuine reflection of Indianapolis.”