Bringing People Together, One Taco at a Time

There’s nothing the SSP America team loves more than bringing a hot, local restaurant to the terminal. We’re experts at it and, even though we’ve done it again and again, every time is unique. So it is with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s (PHX) new restaurant, Tacos Chiwas, which opened in June 2025.

Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin—the husband and wife team behind Tacos Chiwas—both hail from the northwestern Mexican state of Chihuahua, and their restaurants reflect the flavors of the region. Tacos Chiwas is known for preparing fresh food from recipes that have been passed down through generations. 

Armando and Nadia met by chance over a decade ago and quickly bonded over their shared PASSION for the culinary arts and the restaurant industry. They married in 2014 and opened their first Tacos Chiwas two years later. Over the past nine years, their restaurant empire has expanded throughout the Phoenix area to include multiple Tacos Chiwas locations, Cocina Chiwas, Espíritu Cocktails + Comida, and more. Their menus are focused on northwestern Mexican cuisine and highlight the unique flavors of Chihuahua and the surrounding regions. Located in Terminal 4 near Gate B5, PHX’s Tacos Chiwas brings this same PASSION and taste of place to locals and visitors alike.

We asked Armando what he thinks about opening a Tacos Chiwas in the airport. He commented, “Nadia and I are honored to bring Tacos Chiwas and the flavors of our hometowns to PHX. We are PASSIONate about offering genuine northwestern Mexican cuisine, and we believe that food has the power to connect people and celebrate culture.”

PHX Airport Director Chad Makovsky and SSP America’s Senior Vice President of Development and Pursuit of New Airports Scott Welding are also thrilled with the new addition to Terminal 4.

“We’re excited to see a local favorite come to our terminals,” Chad said. “Being able to offer travelers a taste of delicious cuisine that represents our region is important to us. It’s another way we’re continuing to elevate the passenger experience.”

“It’s an honor to work with Armando, Nadia, and the PHX team to bring this iconic Phoenix restaurant to Terminal 4,” Scott added. “As a Phoenician, I understand the anticipation that has surrounded this opening and what it means to the community. I am excited for guests to experience the vibrant flavors and unique atmosphere of Tacos Chiwas. It’s a wonderful addition to PHX that truly showcases the rich culinary culture of Phoenix.”

In addition to introducing a new taste of place to PHX, the opening allowed us to create work opportunities—including restaurant jobs and jobs hiring now—at the airport.