Travelers At A Major US Airport Have Fewer Options Due To Closed Shops & Restaurants
If your upcoming travels involve flying through Southwest Florida International Airport, you might want to pack some snacks in your carry-on bag. For travelers who frequently pass through the airport, things may look a lot different in 2026.
The busy Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located near Fort Myers. Nestled between Naples and Sarasota, the coastal Florida city is known for its pristine beaches. The international airport is serviced by major U.S. air carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and United. Low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air, Spirit, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest offer budget-friendly routes to RSW. Over 11 million passengers caught flights out of the airport in 2025, and over 2 million people have flown through the airport just a few months in to 2026. In response to the airport's growth, a major renovation and expansion is underway. "Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is expanding its terminal to improve on airport efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities and options," the airport's website states.
The expansion is causing multiple shops and restaurants to close permanently. "As part of the work for the Terminal Expansion Project Phase 1 at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), there will be permanent closures to food & beverage and retail concessions in the main terminal and Concourse C," the chief communications & marketing officer wrote in a media statement released on January 28, 2026. Some closures went into effect in early February.
Dining and shopping options are limited at RSW due to a major expansion project
In a January 2026 press release, airport officials announced the permanent closure of seven different businesses. On the evening of Sunday, February 1, 2026, Great American Bagels and Sbarro shut their doors for the last time. Both were located in Concourse C. Jose Cuervo Tequileria in the main terminal also closed that same night. The next day four more businesses in the main terminal closed for good. Brighton Collectibles, Coastal News, Dylan's Candy Bar, and PGA Tour Shop have all permanently shut down.
The airport expansion will undoubtedly result in even more shopping and dining for passengers, but for the time being options are limited. Several other businesses, including Nathan's, Quiznos, Shula's Bar & Grill, and Starbucks, permanently closed in April 2025 during the first phase of the project.
"We appreciate your understanding as we increase capacity, airport efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities and options at Southwest Florida International Airport," the February 2026 press release states. According to airport officials, there are still a few options if you're flying through Southwest Florida International Airport. Before security there are Dunkin' locations on the way to Concourses B and D. There is also a Grab & Go kiosk in the baggage claim area if you're looking for a quick snack. Beaches Travelmart in the Dunkin' will also be open for last-minute travel essentials. Airport officials assured travelers that there will still be plenty of shops and dining options available in all of the concourses once they make it through TSA. Across the state, Miami International Airport has earned its title as the worst airport in the world for losing luggage.