Release Date: July 22, 2026
Contact: Melissa Riley Patsiavos, Public Information Officer – City of Dayton, (937) 454-8406 | mpatsiavos@flydayton.com
Ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 22 introduces two new dining concepts as the first phase of a broader transformation of the airport’s post-security dining experience
DAYTON, OHIO — Dayton International Airport (DAY) welcomes two new dining concepts, Warped Wing Brewing Company and Buckeye Pie, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 22 at 11 a.m. The new venues, developed in partnership with Tailwind Hospitality, deliver a significant renewal of the passenger experience immediately beyond the airport’s TSA checkpoint.
Together with the adjacent Dunkin’ location, the three Tailwind Hospitality-operated venues form the first food and beverage offerings travelers encounter after clearing security. As a group, the new spaces are brighter, more welcoming, and closely tied to the identity of Dayton and the state of Ohio.
Buckeye Pie, a new quick-service pizza concept, takes over the former Great American Bagel location, which has been fully renovated to accommodate it. A red-and-gray color scheme, new service counter, stainless-steel back counter, pizza ovens, and preparation stations create a clean and efficient environment for travelers on the move.
The adjacent Warped Wing location occupies the former Max & Erma’s restaurant and incorporates space previously left underused between the two former concessions. Its storefront features black brick, red walls, prominent signage, and a custom stylized map of Dayton. The black brick and red wall treatment draws on the exterior character of one of Warped Wing’s primary Dayton taproom locations, bringing that familiar local identity into the airport terminal for the first time.
Inside, a shared dining area serves both new venues, converting a formerly disconnected zone into an open gathering space. The interior includes Warped Wing’s proprietary wing graphic, the “Share a Pint with a Friend” installation, a new full-service bar, expanded back-bar systems, multiple taps, integrated televisions, wood accents, cream walls, and red detailing.
The openings mark the first phase of a broader concession transformation at DAY, with two additional Tailwind-operated locations planned in the concourses for the next phase.
“Nearly every passenger who passes through this terminal walks by these doors, which gives Warped Wing and Buckeye Pie an outsized role in how people experience Dayton,” said Gil Turner, Director of Aviation at Dayton International Airport. “This project raises the bar for what a stop before boarding can feel like, and it’s exactly the kind of investment we want our partners making at this airport.”
The project reflects collaboration between Dayton International Airport, Tailwind Hospitality, Warped Wing Brewing Company, and McSwain Architect, and was completed with local general contractor Staffco Construction, Inc., along with subcontractors Saturn Electric, Apex Mechanical, and TR2.
“This opening reflects the best of what Tailwind Hospitality does,” said Michael Svagdis, President of Tailwind Hospitality. “We collaborate with outstanding local partners like Warped Wing Brewing to showcase hometown favorites, and we create proprietary brands like Buckeye Pie Pizza that tell the story of the region through great food and memorable experiences. Together, these concepts give travelers a true taste of Dayton before they even leave the airport. We are also excited to begin work on the concourse remodels, which will bring even more new and updated food and beverage options to Dayton International Airport. These investments reflect our long-term commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and creating a terminal that truly showcases the best of the Dayton community.”
The project reflects a stronger sense of arrival for travelers, a celebration of local identity, and an early, memorable introduction to Dayton. For more information, please visit www.flydayton.com.
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Media Contact
Melissa Riley Patsiavos
Marketing and Air Services Development Director / Public Information Officer
Dayton International Airport | Department of Aviation
Cell: 937-631-3744
mpatsiavos@flydayton.com
About Dayton International Airport
Located near the “Crossroads of America” — Interstates 70 and 75, Dayton International Airport (DAY) provides air service to travelers to and from Southwest Ohio. The DAY mission is to contribute to the prosperity of Southwest Ohio by connecting it to the rest of the world through our aviation system. For more information about Dayton International Airport, visit www.flydayton.com.
ABOUT TAILWIND
Our journey began in 2005, when we secured our first food, beverage and retail contract. This is when we started to build our reputation and began to grow. We have refined our success in the years since. When possible, we collaborate with the airport to develop the FIVE KEYS TO GROWTH:
- Create innovative designs and remodels to increase sales.
- Build satellite bars to increase revenue and reduce crowds at the main bar.
- Analyze sales data to identify buying trends.
- Adjust our menus and retail offerings to capture higher revenue.
- Identify underused terminal square footage to create new revenue centers.
After 20+ years of operating at airports, we are proud to say that Tailwind is providing premier concession services at 63 locations and growing.
