Celebrity chef Bobby Flay has expanded his culinary reach by launching the restaurant Bobby’s Burgers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) on November 22, 2025. This new establishment is situated near Gate C18 in Terminal 2.
Bobby’s Burgers Overview
Bobby’s Burgers will offer a menu featuring grilled Angus beef patties served on brioche buns, with options for medium or well-done. Patrons can also enjoy a variety of sides and shakes. This location marks the second airport branch of Bobby’s Burgers, following the successful opening in Phoenix International Airport, and is part of the restaurant’s nationwide expansion that includes locations in Charlotte, Yankee Stadium, and multiple sites on the Las Vegas Strip.
Enhancing the Airport Dining Experience
RDU Airport continues to improve its dining and retail offerings with local and national brands. Recently added restaurants include:
- Bongiorno and Son Italian deli
- Black & White Coffee Roasters
- La Farm Bakery Cafe
- Crawford Genuine by Chef Scott Crawford
- Dunkin’
- BurgerFi
- Jason’s Deli
In addition to Flay’s burger joint, Guy Fieri’s Pizza Joint also opened in Terminal 2 this summer, welcoming travelers with a cardboard cutout of the celebrity chef.
Operational Excellence and Unique Offerings
The Bobby’s Burgers kitchen spans 400 square feet, constructed to suit high-traffic environments like airports and stadiums. Ignacio Garcia-Menocal, co-CEO of Grove Bay Concessions, emphasized the importance of operational efficiency and quick service. He noted that Bobby’s Burgers is recognized as a best-in-class fast-casual brand, aligning perfectly with RDU’s dining approach.
In addition to its burger offerings, the restaurant will feature a 20-seat full bar and serve breakfast items, including:
- Brunch burger
- Breakfast burrito
- Oatmeal
Upcoming Additions at RDU
Bobby’s Burgers is part of a broader expansion at RDU, with several restaurants slated to open this fall and winter in Terminal 2:
- Adios! – A Mexican restaurant by James Beard semifinalist Oscar Diaz, known for his previous ventures in the area.
- Bond Brothers Taproom & Kitchen – Previously opened before the pandemic, now returning to offer local brews.
- Lonerider – This Raleigh-based brewery and distillery is expected to reopen as a full-service restaurant.
In Terminal 1, new offerings will include:
- Puro Gusto – An Italian-inspired eatery featuring coffee, pastries, craft cocktails, and meals.
- Raleigh Beer Garden – An airport version of the popular Glenwood South location, with extensive beer selections and bar food.
The arrival of Bobby’s Burgers represents a significant step in enhancing the dining options available to travelers at RDU, combining local flavor with well-known culinary expertise.
