Raleigh-Durham International Airport hosts ribbon-cutting for 5 new restaurants

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Travelers passing through Raleigh-Durham International Airport now have several new dining options to choose from.

RDU held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of five new restaurants in Terminal 2 Thursday as part of the airport's ongoing modernization efforts.

The new additions include Adios! from former Top Chef contestant Oscar Diaz, Bobby's Burgers by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, a Bond Brothers Beer Company bar, food and cocktails from Conniption Distillery, and an empanada restaurant.

Airport officials said the new eateries are part of RDU's decade-long, $2.5 billion transformation project, which includes major upgrades designed to accommodate the region's growth.

"We continue to grow in our community and we're simply a reflection of that," an RDU official said. "We're in a multibillion-dollar program. We're building a runway right now. We're expanding Terminal 2 on the landside portion, adding more ticket counters and additional security checkpoint lines to make sure you can get through that process as easily as possible, get to your gates or get to these great restaurants and enjoy some of that food at the end of the day."

The broader project also includes expanded parking and roadway improvements around the airport.