SRQ Plans Dining Pass Program to Open Airport Restaurants to Non-Travelers
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is preparing to launch a new dining pass program that would allow members of the public to access restaurants and shops inside the airport’s secured concourse without purchasing an airline ticket.
The initiative is designed to allow residents and visitors to enjoy airport dining options, greet arriving passengers, or spend extra time with loved ones before departure.
Among the businesses expected to benefit is Mattison’s Restaurant, which opened its fourth location at the airport one year ago. Executive Chef Paul Mattison said the airport location allows travelers to experience a taste of the Sarasota-Bradenton area as soon as they arrive and before they leave.
Mattison said he was initially hesitant about opening a restaurant inside the airport, but changed his mind after learning more about the airport’s growth plans and the shift toward expanding dining and retail options beyond security checkpoints.
Airport officials believe the new program will help support restaurants and retailers operating in the concourse while enhancing the overall passenger experience.
According to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport CEO Paul Hoback, airport officials have been working with the Transportation Security Administration to create an airside pass system that would allow non-ticketed visitors access to areas normally reserved for passengers. The program would provide opportunities for people to dine at airport restaurants and visit businesses that may not have locations elsewhere in the region.
Currently, most dining options at SRQ are located beyond security, limiting access to ticketed passengers. Under the proposed program, approved visitors would be able to obtain a guest pass and proceed through security screening to access the concourse.
Mattison said the change could also provide a new experience for regular customers who visit his Sarasota and Bradenton restaurants and would like to enjoy a meal in a different setting.
Airport officials said details are still being finalized, including what days and hours non-passengers will be permitted through security. No launch date has been announced, but discussions are ongoing as SRQ works toward implementing the program.
The airport hopes the initiative will further strengthen its efforts to create a welcoming environment where travelers and visitors alike can relax, dine and enjoy the airport experience.