Denver International Airport (DEN) has opened three new restaurants in Concourse A: Maria Empanada, an outpost of the Denver-based Argentinian empanada and coffee cafe; Uncle, a satellite location of Denver-based ramen and Japanese cuisine shop; and The Bindery, an airport location of Denver-based New American restaurant featuring specialities like chestnut honey and thyme baby back ribs, Cajun shrimp and grits, and hand-cut fries with a Middle Eastern spice mix. All three concessions will be operated by Mission Yogurt.
“The opening of Maria Empanada, Uncle and The Bindery marks the latest additions to the new Concourse A-West expansion, bringing even more vibrant culinary concepts to DEN,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “Today’s celebration signifies an expansion of DEN’s dining options, providing passengers with a variety of local favorites and enhancing the travel experience for millions of annual travelers.”
“This is a dream come true, for me and for the entire Maria Empanada team. Being at DEN, the gateway to the world, with what we do best: our empanadas,” added Lorena Cantarovic, founder and CEO of Maria Empanadai. “This is the perfect marriage: empanadas and an airport. Empanadas were practically made for airport life—easy to carry, no utensils needed and packed perfectly to keep warm. Let me give you a fair warning: They taste amazing, so don’t be surprised if the person next to you on the plane asks for a bite!”
“When we opened Uncle in 2012, I never would have thought we’d be serving our food in one of the busiest airports in the world,” said Tommy Lee, chef and owner of Uncle. “We’re excited to help represent the local culinary scene and show people from all over the world that Denver is delicious and diverse!”
“I am thrilled to represent the city of Denver and our vibrant culinary community at the airport,” added Linda Hampsten Fox, chef and owner of The Bindery. “With this second location of The Bindery, we intend to enhance travelers’ experiences with our dynamic beverage, wine and food offerings, bringing creativity and quality with every dish, drink and bite.”
“We’re thrilled to bring The Bindery, Uncle and Maria Empanada to Denver International Airport,” said Mission Yogurt founder and president Rod Tafoya. “These beloved local favorites represent the best of Denver’s culinary scene, and we’re proud to share their unique flavors with travelers from around the world in one of the nation’s busiest airports.”
