RDU travelers to dine at ACC cafe, Char-Grill

The nation’s first ACC American Café will join four other restaurants when the revamped Terminal 1 opens at Raleigh-Durham International Airport next year, officials said Thursday.

In addition to the first officially licensed restaurant from the Atlantic Coast Conference, the RDU Airport Authority approved Raleigh-based Char-Grill, Charlotte-based Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, La Tapenade Mediterranean Café and Starbucks for Terminal 1.

"RDU is excited about these new restaurants,” Airport Director Michael Landguth said in a statement. “Not only are these great concepts, but we also have two North Carolina-based restaurants as well as a commitment by the concessionaires to use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.”

The upscale ACC American Café will offer seafood, steaks, sandwiches and pastas, and televisions will show current and classic ACC games.

Char-Grill will offer burgers, shakes and fries, as well as a breakfast menu.

La Tapenade Mediterranean Café will feature made-to-order flat-bread sandwiches, paninis and wraps, while Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina will provide diners with sauces made on-site daily and made-to-order burritos, quesadillas and tacos.

HOST International Inc. was awarded the prime food concession, which includes the ACC American Café, La Tapenade and Starbucks. Uptown Airport Group Inc. was awarded the quick-service food contract and will operate Char-Grill and Salsarita’s.