Fresno Yosemite International Airport and SSP America Celebrate New Flavor Arrivals
Mad Duck Craft Brewing and Ike’s Love & Sandwiches debut at Fresno Yosemite International Airport
(United States, February 25, 2026): Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, today announced the opening of three new dining concepts: Mad Duck Craft Brewing Company and Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. The latest dining additions follow December’s grand opening of the newly expanded terminal, designed to enhance and elevate the traveler experience throughout the airport.
This new portfolio of restaurant partners marks the first major transformation in food and beverage offerings at FAT in more than 20 years. The openings further SSP America’s commitment to bringing a true taste of place to airport environments.
“Fresno Yosemite International Airport is pleased to broaden its dining offerings as the airport continues to grow and welcome an increasing number of travelers,” said City of Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “These new partnerships reinforce our ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing the sense of place that defines our airport for all who pass through.”
A beloved Fresno-area institution, Mad Duck Craft Brewing Company is known for its craft beers, scratch-made comfort food, and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. At FAT, Mad Duck brings its signature blend of locally brewed beers and elevated gastropub fare, offering travelers an authentic taste of the region in a relaxed and approachable setting.
“We are incredibly proud and humbled by this opportunity to represent our local restaurant community at this exciting time at Fresno Yosemite International Airport,” said Alex Costa, Mad Duck’s chief executive officer. “We want to thank the airport team for making local businesses a cornerstone of their vision, the city council members who supported this effort, Mayor Dyer for making small business part of his leadership strategy, SSP America for taking so much of this project on their shoulders, and, most importantly, the people of Fresno who continue to support the Duck and our team every single day.”
Founded in San Francisco in 2007 by Ike Shehadeh, Ike’s has become a West Coast phenomenon, spreading love (and sandwiches) with inventive flavor combinations, offbeat humor, and a menu built around its signature Dirty Sauce toasted into every bite. The opening at FAT marks another milestone in the brand’s mission to serve craveable comfort and big personality to all.
Ike Shehadeh said, “Bringing Ike’s Love & Sandwiches to FAT is a proud moment for our team. We started in the Bay Area with a simple goal: to make people feel loved and full. Thanks to SSP America and the incredible team at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, we get to share that same love with travelers from all over the world. Fresno has always shown us so much support, and we’re excited to keep growing that connection here at the airport.”
“We are excited to celebrate the opening of these new dining establishments designed to provide travelers with an elevated and welcoming experience from the moment they arrive,” said the Interim Director of Aviation. “Our partnership with SSP America emphases efforts to meeting passenger needs by enhancing the airport’s diverse food and beverage options for the first time in more than 20 years.”
“Opening Mad Duck and Ike’s Love & Sandwiches at Fresno Yosemite International Airport allows us to showcase two exceptional California brands that reflect the character and culture of this region,” said Scott Welding, SSP America’s senior vice president of development & pursuit of new airports. “Each offers an authentic, high-quality experience and a true taste of place. Together with the airport, we’re proud to deliver dining that is welcoming, memorable, and distinctly Fresno.”
These openings reflect SSP America’s continued commitment to partnering with airports and local brands to create dining experiences that are rooted in place, thoughtfully executed, and designed to be the best part of the journey.
Further information:
Lana Cramer, Vice President, Brand Strategy and Communications
240.882.0754, Lana.Cramer@foodtravelexperts.com
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Fresno Yosemite International Airport
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is one of the largest drivers in economic activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers nonstop flights to Chicago (Seasonal), Dallas/Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field (Seasonal), Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Guadalajara, León, and Morelia in Mexico.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport are municipally owned entities operating as a self-supporting enterprise.
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.