Jacksonville Approves $1.215M Cantina Louie Airport Buildout
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The city of Jacksonville has approved a $1.215 million construction permit for a 2,090-square-foot Cantina Louie Mexican Street Food restaurant inside Jacksonville International Airport’s new Concourse B, according to an October 26 report.
The permit, reported by the Jacksonville Business Journal, advances preparations for restaurant operations within the airport’s $344 million expansion. Construction of the three-level concourse began in July 2024.
Cantina Louie Joins New Airport Dining Lineup
The restaurant will join the planned 3,814-square-foot Oak & Ocean Food Hall, which has an estimated construction cost of $6.285 million. Host International Inc., an HMSHost and Avolta company, will manage the food hall and its restaurant concessions.
According to the Jacksonville Daily Record, the aviation authority previously approved restaurants including Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, V Pizza and Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q. Pura Bean Coffee Co. and Salt & Tide are also among the planned dining options.
Cantina Louie, founded in 2014 and based in Jacksonville Beach, previously welcomed the airport opportunity. The restaurant will become the chain’s 13th location, adding to its existing presence in Northeast Florida and North Carolina.
Six New Gates Expected To Open In January
Concourse B will add six gates to Jacksonville International Airport, increasing its capacity from 20 to 26 gates. Five are intended for American Airlines, while one is reserved for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.
An October 9 report by Action News Jax also identified two passenger lounges, a children’s play area and additional facilities for travellers.
The aviation authority expects the concourse to receive its certificate of occupancy on December 30, 2026. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for January 27, 2027, with American Airlines flights expected to begin the following day.
The intervening weeks will allow restaurant operators and retailers to prepare their premises and train employees before passenger services begin.
