How Airports Are Using Modular Pods to Boost Food & Beverage Revenue

Airports are more than transit hubs—they’re evolving into premium retail and hospitality destinations. But while travelers’ expectations rise, airport operators and concessionaires still face a familiar set of challenges: limited space, complex permitting, high build-out costs, and long lead times for new food & beverage concepts.

This is where modular kiosks are changing the game.

Modern, fully equipped food and beverage pods allow airports to activate new revenue-generating spaces quickly, elegantly, and without construction. Whether it’s a grab-and-go coffee kiosk at the gate or a mobile food station in baggage claim, modular F&B solutions offer speed, flexibility, and profitability that traditional concessions can’t match.

The Airport Concession Challenge

Airports have long relied on concession leases to drive non-aeronautical revenue. But expanding that revenue—especially post-COVID—requires rethinking the way F&B services are deployed.

Common roadblocks:

• Construction delays that slow time-to-revenue

• High capital expenditure for permanent build-outs

• Permitting and security restrictions that complicate installations

• Tenant turnover that leads to wasted infrastructure

Meanwhile, passengers demand faster, more convenient food and beverage access, especially at gates, lounges, and other high-traffic zones.

In today’s fast-paced airport environment, agility isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Why Modular Kiosks Work in Airports

Podular’s modular kiosks are turnkey solutions designed for dynamic, high-traffic environments like airports. These units arrive fully equipped, require no construction, and can be operational in just a few days.

Key Advantages:

• No construction or permits required
  Avoid the lengthy approval and build-out process.

• Fully equipped
  Each unit includes a sink, water disposal, electric hookups, storage, and optional induction cooktop—perfect for coffee, snacks, juice, and light meals.

• Rapid deployment
  Pods can be installed and operational within days, ideal for seasonal rushes or replacing underperforming vendors quickly.

• Compact footprint
  Fits seamlessly into limited or odd-shaped spaces, including gates, lounges, baggage claims, and waiting areas.

• Custom branding
  Kiosks can be designed to match terminal aesthetics or represent specific vendor branding.

• Scalable & flexible
  Units can be moved, rebranded, or reconfigured as needs evolve—without costly tear-downs or infrastructure changes.

High-Impact Use Cases Inside Airports

Modular food and beverage pods thrive in spaces traditional concessions can’t reach. Here are several use cases already gaining traction:

1. Grab-and-Go Coffee at Gates

Serve premium espresso, cold brew, and snacks to early-morning travelers without requiring a full café.

2. Pop-Up Juice or Snack Kiosk in Lounges

Enhance lounge experience with a wellness-focused station—no plumbing or renovations needed.

3. Temporary F&B Pods During Terminal Renovations

Maintain revenue and guest satisfaction while permanent spaces are offline.

4. Baggage Claim Refreshments

Capitalize on wait times with a small pod offering drinks, snacks, or takeaway meals.

5. VIP & Private Terminal Service

Create white-glove experiences in private lounges or charter areas with elegant, self-contained F&B stations.

The Financial Upside: Faster ROI, Lower Risk

Traditional airport concessions are expensive and slow to launch—often taking 6 to 12 months and hundreds of thousands of dollars to build. Podular pods deliver the opposite: speed, affordability, and flexibility.

Benefits for airport operators and concessionaires:

• Launch in under a week (versus months)

• Up to 50% savings compared to permanent build-outs

• Higher space efficiency with compact, high-performing layouts

• No long-term risk—pods can be moved, swapped, or leased flexibly

• Support for short-term vendors or local food brands testing airport presence

Whether you’re leasing to national concession brands or exploring new revenue strategies, modular kiosks give you the ability to respond to traveler demand—fast.

Case Example: Activating Dead Zones in a Mid-Sized Terminal

A regional airport recently installed a modular Podular unit in a low-traffic gate area. Within two weeks, it was generating consistent coffee and snack revenue, reducing foot traffic congestion at the main terminal food court, and improving guest satisfaction in an otherwise underused space.

The Future of Airport F&B is Modular

As airport terminals modernize, modular food and beverage pods are becoming an essential part of flexible, guest-focused design. They solve for speed, cost, and space—while elevating the traveler experience.

If you're an airport leasing manager, commercial director, or concessionaire looking for smart, scalable solutions that work today (not next year), it’s time to explore Podular.