Avolta has signed a 12-year contract with Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to expand its retail and food & beverage operations, introducing hybrid concepts that merge local and national brands. The deal, managed by the Norfolk Airport Authority, is part of ORF’s largest modernisation project in over 50 years. It includes nine new retail and dining concepts, four of which combine retail and F&B formats to save space and boost passenger spending.
The agreement strengthens Avolta’s presence at the airport, where it has operated for nearly three decades. The redevelopment involves transforming over 6,000 sq ft of existing space and adding 5,500 sq ft of new areas across Concourses A and B and the main terminal. The programme merges national chains with locally inspired ideas, reflecting coastal Virginia and northeast North Carolina’s culture.
Mermaid Landing, a new store, draws from Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks, offering apparel, travel essentials, and local products alongside Pinup Coffee Co. beverages. Explore Virginia will highlight locally made gifts and artisan snacks, while Hampton Roads Market will celebrate the Chesapeake Bay’s naval heritage with a shop-in-shop concept and a Dunkin’ outlet. An automated retail spot, Port Provisions, will serve grab-and-go meals.
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On the F&B side, HMSHost will mix local and national options. The Stockpot, a Virginia Beach café, will open in Concourse A, serving bowls, ramen, and regional beers. Concourse B will host Ghost Kitchen, a local burger spot by Chef Blake Sehestedt, and Waterside Bites, inspired by Norfolk’s Waterside District. Buffalo Wild Wings will open a full-service bar in the main terminal, alongside a grab-and-go outlet. Two new Starbucks locations will also join the expansion.
Steve Johnson, Avolta’s North America CEO, called the contract a “standout model” of partnership, blending local relevance with convenience. Mark Perryman of the Norfolk Airport Authority praised the programme for offering travellers “selection and the chance to discover items” that reflect the region.
Digital tools will enhance the experience, including self-checkout, QR code ordering, and Club Avolta loyalty integration. Norfolk International Airport welcomed nearly five million passengers in 2025 and was named North America’s best domestic airport by Skytrax for two years running.
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The hybrid model at ORF marks Avolta’s first such experiment, combining retail and dining in formats designed to maximise space. The redevelopment also includes Hudson’s core travel essentials store, featuring Town Center Cold Pressed drinks. Each new concept aims to reflect local identity while meeting passenger needs for convenience and choice.
The new programme includes a mix of automated and traditional retail, ensuring a balance between efficiency and the personal touch. For example, Hampton Roads Market’s naval-themed shop-in-shop contrasts with the automated Port Provisions, showing the range of approaches being tested.
Local brands like Ghost Kitchen and The Stockpot highlight the airport’s commitment to showcasing regional talent. Meanwhile, national chains such as Starbucks and Buffalo Wild Wings provide familiar options. This mix caters to both returning visitors and first-time flyers, offering something for every traveller.
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The contract’s 12-year term signals confidence in the partnership’s success. Avolta and the Norfolk Airport Authority have emphasised collaboration, with both parties agreeing that the new programme will enhance the passenger experience. The focus on local culture, combined with proven brands, aims to create a unique shopping and dining environment at ORF.
As the redevelopment progresses, the airport will monitor passenger feedback to refine offerings. The inclusion of digital tools like QR code ordering and loyalty integration suggests a focus on adapting to modern traveller expectations. These features are expected to streamline the shopping and dining process, reducing wait times and increasing satisfaction.
The project’s scale—over 11,500 sq ft of new and renovated space—reflects the airport’s ambitions for growth. By integrating local and national brands, ORF aims to become a destination in its own right, not just a transit hub. The hybrid retail and F&B formats are a key part of this vision, offering flexibility and efficiency in a high-traffic environment.