Fernando’s

OMA’s 2027 overhaul finally adds local Mexican: Fernando’s

OMA’s concessions revamp slated for 2027 brings in Fernando’s, a regional Mexican name that stands out in a lineup otherwise stacked with national chains. The airport’s plan documents list Fernando’s as part of the next-phase food upgrades, so you won’t see it on today’s terminal map yet, but it’s already baked into the official BuildOMA expansion schedule.

The airport currently splits operations between the North and South terminals, and Fernando’s is planned as a post-security option in that combined concourse footprint once the construction dust settles. Figure this lands in the same general zone as the rest of the 2027 food projects, which the BuildOMA update ties to the consolidated checkpoint and new gate areas.

Pricing isn’t published yet, but you can safely expect airport premiums over what Fernando’s charges in town, where combo plates usually sit near typical casual-dining numbers under $20. The good news: the Port Authority specifically called out “local and regional brands” in its February 2024 concessions announcement, and Fernando’s is one of the few non-national names promised in that list.

Menus aren’t locked, but given Fernando’s off-airport footprint, think standard taqueria hits: tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, plus chips and salsa that move fast enough to work for a 30-minute sit-down between flights. Until the build-out finishes, your only Mexican-adjacent options in OMA skew toward generic bar food, which is why Fernando’s shows up in the expansion documents as a signature add.

Timeline-wise, the same BuildOMA release groups Fernando’s with other 2027 openings tied to the terminal modernization, so don’t plan around it for 2025 or early 2026 trips. Practical tip: if you care about trying the local Mexican spot, keep an eye on your gate assignment in the combined concourse and aim to eat here during a longer layover once the 2027 phase officially opens.