Local Roots, New Heights: Bradley International Airport Expands Dining with Urban Lodge Brewing Co.
Windsor Locks, CONN – April 29, 2026 – The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is pleased to announce the opening of a brand new, sit-down restaurant at Bradley International Airport (BDL).
In partnership with the airport’s food and beverage operator SSP America, Urban Lodge Brewing Co., a craft brewery and taproom with locations in Hartford and Manchester, has opened a new location at BDL. The restaurant serves its signature beer and a family-friendly food menu and is located post-TSA screening within the airport’s airside lobby.
“The arrival of Urban Lodge adds to the growing list of new dining options that help enhance the experience for passengers at Bradley International Airport,” said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director & CEO of the CAA. "It also underscores our commitment to creating a sense of place inside the terminal with local, recognizable brands that reflect our state and region.”
Known for its evolving beer program, great food and atmosphere, Urban Lodge occupies BDL’s largest dining space – formerly the location of Black Bear Saloon.
“We are thrilled to partner with SSP and bring the Urban Lodge experience to Bradley International Airport. It’s an exciting time for the airport, and we’re proud to represent local craft beer and hospitality as part of the momentum and transformation happening here,” said Michael Gerrity, co-owner of Urban Lodge Brewing Co.
“Urban Lodge is exactly the kind of brand that makes airport dining more memorable — local, welcoming, and full of personality,” said Kyle Phillips, Vice President of Concepts & Development for SSP America. “It’s a concept built around gathering and genuine hospitality, and we’re proud to bring that spirit to Bradley International Airport. This opening reflects what matters most in a modern concessions program: a strong sense of place, broad traveler appeal, and an experience that feels rooted in the community it serves.”
In addition to Urban Lodge, more new dining concepts are scheduled to open at BDL later this year, as part of the CAA’s broader strategy to upgrade the airport’s dining experience with a focus on integrating local favorites and industry-leading quick service national brands.
These include, West Hartford-based Sparrow Pizza, which will feature a full-service, sit-down restaurant in the gates 1-12 concourse, and Chick-fil-A – located within the airport food court. The remainder of the dining portfolio will include national and proprietary brands, which will be announced in the months ahead.
About Bradley International Airport
Bradley International Airport (BDL) is the largest airport in Connecticut and the second largest in New England. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, BDL currently offers nonstop flights to more than 40 destinations on 9 different airlines. BDL also offers a range of services for the inclusiveness of all travelers and boasts award-winning concessions. BDL is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy. For more information, visit www.bradleyairport.com.
About The Connecticut Airport Authority
The CAA was established in 2011 to develop, improve, and operate Bradley International Airport and the state’s five general aviation airports (Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford, and Windham). The CAA Board consists of 11 members with a broad spectrum of experience in aviation-related and other industries, as well as government. The goal of the CAA is to make Connecticut’s airports more attractive to new airlines, bring in new routes, and support Connecticut’s overall economic development and growth strategy. For more info, visit www.ctairports.org.
About SSP America
SSP America is a division of SSP Group plc (LSE:SSPG), a global leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations employing 49,000 colleagues in around 3,000 units across 38 countries. We specialize in designing, creating, and operating a diverse range of food and drink outlets in airports, train stations, and other travel hubs across six formats: sit-down and quick service restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, and food-led convenience stores. Our extensive portfolio of brands features a mix of international, national, and local brands, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients and customers.
Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and our focus is on making every journey taste better – bringing great food and welcoming hospitality to travelers across the globe. Sustainability is crucial for our long-term success, and we aim to deliver a positive impact for our business while uniting stakeholders to promote a sustainable food travel sector.
About Urban Lodge Brewing Co.
Founded in 2019 in Manchester, Connecticut, Urban Lodge Brewing Co. is a craft brewery built on the idea that great beer brings people together. What began as a small taproom has grown into a community-driven brand rooted in hospitality, connection, and shared experiences. Urban Lodge was founded by brothers-in-law Michael Gerrity and Ryan Fagan, who set out to create a space that reflected both their environment and their values. Located in an urban setting, they envisioned something more than just a brewery—a warm, welcoming place where people could gather and feel at home. The name “Urban Lodge” captures that balance, blending the energy of the city with the comfort and familiarity of a lodge. It also carries personal meaning, as “Lodge” is the maiden name shared by their wives, Ali and Carolyn, making the brand a true reflection of family and connection.
With deep ties to Manchester and an expanding presence across Connecticut, Urban Lodge continues to focus on delivering high-quality craft beer, great food, and genuine, hospitality-first experiences. Whether in the taproom or beyond, the brand is committed to creating spaces where people feel welcome, connected, and part of something bigger.