Philadelphia Airport Opens Creole Restaurant and Expands Lounges

A new Southern and Creole restaurant has opened at Philadelphia International Airport, while American Express begins a major renovation of its Centurion Lounge at the same airport. Lafayette’s Creole Kitchen & Bar opened in the B/C Connector, and the lounge project will expand Terminal A-West facilities.

Lafayette’s, opened by Toyin Alli and Reginald Johnson, replaced Vino Volo wine bar and offers 44 seats with dishes including gumbo, shrimp étouffée, red beans and rice, shrimp and grits, po’boys, chicken and waffles, and brown butter bourbon bread pudding, according to The Inquirer.

Alli began selling gumbo and bread pudding at a D.C. farmers market in 2010 while working at Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General. She later expanded to more than 14 farmers markets and food trucks before establishing Puddin’ at Washington’s Union Market in 2014.

The airport location developed after pandemic-era discussions about finding a more reliable customer base. Johnson, a retired Army Green Beret who served six tours in Afghanistan, encouraged the move into airport concessions.

The couple completed Philadelphia Airport Concessions Academy training, which covered airport operations, financing, and proposal procedures. Alli said about 40 to 50 participants started the program, with roughly nine reaching final presentations before the opportunity was awarded.

"They could have chosen a large company or one of the prime operators, but they chose a very small business and put their faith in us," said Toyin Alli.

Alli manages Lafayette’s operations and culinary direction, while Johnson oversees finance, logistics, and business strategy. The restaurant is named after Lafayette, La., where Alli’s maternal family has roots.

The Centurion Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport is also undergoing a yearlong expansion. American Express plans to more than double the space from about 6,000 square feet to more than 12,000 square feet across two stories, according to The Inquirer and CNBC.

"Coffee and wellness bar," said American Express.

The renovated lounge will include new food and beverage areas, including espresso drinks, cold brew, smoothies, and seasonal beverages from a local roaster. American Express said the redesign will feature local artwork and Philadelphia-inspired elements.

"It will celebrate Philadelphia’s rich history as the nation’s founding city, as well as its creative energy and enduring craftsmanship, with select works by local artists," said American Express.

The airport’s chief commercial officer Kate Sullivan described the planned redesign as tailored to the city’s identity.

"Distinctly Philadelphia," said Kate Sullivan, chief commercial officer for the airport.

The Centurion Lounge renovation follows broader expansion plans by American Express, including a larger Newark Liberty International Airport location expected to open in 2027 and a second London Heathrow Airport lounge planned for 2028.