Eatzi’s to make its DFW Airport debut this year

Terminal D lands new eatery; company CEO also wants spot at Love

Dallas favorite Eatzi’s Market and Bakery will open a new location this year in Terminal D at DFW International Airport.

Construction is expected to start March 1 with a target completion date of July 31, according to state planning documents. The 2,080-squarefoot eatery is estimated to cost $900,000.

“We’re very cautious and very pragmatic with expansion,” said Adam Romo, CEO of Eatzi’s Market & Bakery. “We’re extremely excited and can’t wait to open the doors at DFW.”

Eatzi’s plan first gained attention in 2019 but was shelved during the pandemic.

There are two big differences in how Eatzi’s plans to adapt to airport shopping habits, Romo said. It’s adding a full-service bar and incorporating Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, which allows Amazon One customers to enter and leave without having to stop at the checkout.

It’ll have Eatzi’s signature create-your-own classic salads and sandwiches, but also premade food for passengers in a hurry, Romo said. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options will be available.

The company is planning to open in August.

The airport location will be smaller than other Eatzi’s in North Texas, which range from 5,500 to 10,000 square feet. Eatzi’s, a European-style market founded by renowned restaurateur Phil Romano, has been around for more than 20 years.

The store will be in a new connecting space between

Terminal D and the airport’s upcoming Terminal F. The airport added four new gates at Terminal D last year as part of a $160 million expansion.

The significant decline in air travel early in the pandemic held up plans to open the new sixth terminal by 2025. The $3 billion project requires the full support of American Airlines, which would be the primary tenant in the expanded gates.

Romo said he thinks there’s room for more Eatzi’s in airports and wants to consider a location at Dallas Love Field. After that, he said, the company would consider expanding outside Dallas-fort Worth.

“The potential for that is really unlimited when you look at airports around the country,” Romo said. “Our concept is really a very natural fit.”

Eatzi’s has over 700 employees at its six locations.