Beloved Local Brand Opens Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen at Bradley International Airport
Manchester-rooted craft brewery brings local flavor, warm hospitality, and a true taste of community to BDL
WINDSOR LOCKS, CONN. – May 1, 2026 – SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, today announced the opening of Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen at Bradley International Airport (BDL), bringing a distinctly Connecticut dining experience to the terminal.
Part of Bradley’s broader concessions evolution, Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen adds a warm, welcoming new gathering place for travelers—one rooted in local character and built around the simple pleasure of sharing great food, good beer, and easy company before takeoff.
Created in partnership with Urban Lodge Brewing Co., the Manchester-rooted craft brewery known for its approachable hospitality and community spirit, the new airport location brings the brand’s signature warmth and personality into the travel journey. Since opening its original brewhouse in 2019, Urban Lodge Brewing Co. has earned a loyal following for its evolving beer program, welcoming atmosphere, and “something for everyone” spirit. At Bradley, that same energy now meets the pace of travel in a space designed to feel both relaxed and distinctly of the region.
With its lodge-inspired setting, strong bar presence, and inviting atmosphere, Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen gives passengers a chance to enjoy a true taste of Connecticut—whether they are heading home, heading out, or simply looking for a moment to settle in before the next leg of the journey.
“The arrival of Urban Lodge adds to the growing list of new dining options that help enhance the experience for passengers at Bradley International Airport,” said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director & CEO of the CAA. “It also underscores our commitment to creating a sense of place inside the terminal with local, recognizable brands that reflect our state and region.”
Michael Gerrity, Co-Owner, Urban Lodge Brewing Co., enthused, “We are thrilled to partner with SSP and bring the Urban Lodge experience to Bradley International Airport. It’s an exciting time for the airport, and we’re proud to represent local craft beer and hospitality as part of the momentum and transformation happening here.”
Kyle Phillips, Vice President, Concepts & Development, SSP America, commented, “Urban Lodge is exactly the kind of brand that makes airport dining more memorable — local, welcoming, and full of personality. It’s a concept built around gathering and genuine hospitality, and we’re proud to bring that spirit to Bradley International Airport. This opening reflects what matters most in a modern concessions program: a strong sense of place, broad traveler appeal, and an experience that feels rooted in the community it serves.”
Urban Lodge Taproom & Kitchen is one of several concepts introduced as part of Bradley International Airport’s continuing strategy to elevate the passenger experience through a stronger mix of local favorites and nationally recognized brands. SSP America’s vision for BDL has long centered on creating a concessions program that reflects the region, supports local participation, and gives travelers a meaningful sense of where they are—not just where they are going.
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Media Contact
Lana Cramer
Vice President, Corporate Marketing & Communications
240.882.0754
Lana.Cramer@foodtravelexperts.com
About SSP America
SSP America is a division of SSP Group plc (LSE:SSPG), a global leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations employing 49,000 colleagues in around 3,000 units across 38 countries. We specialize in designing, creating, and operating a diverse range of food and drink outlets in airports, train stations, and other travel hubs across six formats: sit-down and quick service restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, and food-led convenience stores. Our extensive portfolio of brands features a mix of international, national, and local brands, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients and customers.
Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and our focus is on making every journey taste better – bringing great food and welcoming hospitality to travelers across the globe. Sustainability is crucial for our long-term success, and we aim to deliver a positive impact for our business while uniting stakeholders to promote a sustainable food travel sector.
About Bradley International Airport
Bradley International Airport (BDL) is New England’s second-largest airport. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, Bradley International Airport is ready to welcome you with new nonstops and expanded services. The award-winning airport is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy. For more info, visit www.bradleyairport.com.
About The Connecticut Airport Authority
The CAA was established in 2011 to develop, improve, and operate Bradley International Airport and the state’s five general aviation airports (Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford, and Windham). The CAA Board consists of 11 members with a broad spectrum of experience in aviation-related and other industries, as well as government. The goal of the CAA is to make Connecticut’s airports more attractive to new airlines, bring in new routes, and support Connecticut’s overall economic development and growth strategy. For more info, visit www.ctairports.org
About Urban Lodge Brewing Co.
Founded in 2019 in Manchester, Connecticut, Urban Lodge Brewing Co. is a craft brewery built on the idea that great beer brings people together. What began as a small taproom has grown into a community-driven brand rooted in hospitality, connection, and shared experiences.
Urban Lodge was founded by brothers-in-law Michael Gerrity and Ryan Fagan, who set out to create a space that reflected both their environment and their values. Located in an urban setting, they envisioned something more than just a brewery—a warm, welcoming place where people could gather and feel at home. The name “Urban Lodge” captures that balance, blending the energy of the city with the comfort and familiarity of a lodge. It also carries personal meaning, as “Lodge” is the maiden name shared by their wives, Ali and Carolyn, making the brand a true reflection of family and connection.
With deep ties to Manchester and an expanding presence across Connecticut, Urban Lodge continues to focus on delivering high-quality craft beer, great food, and genuine, hospitality-first experiences. Whether in the taproom or beyond, the brand is committed to creating spaces where people feel welcome, connected, and part of something bigger.