ATL restaurants closing way early
What’s the deal with restaurants at the airport shutting down at 9pm? Even when posted hours are 10-11? I realise they may send some staff home if it’s a ‘slow” night, but not being able to get a hot sit-down meal and adult beverage at 9pm after an overseas flight is a little ridiculous.
We lucked out that Ecco on F was still open, but we were departing from D and it took some searching.
I know I’m whining. But really?
It’s definitely frustrating when you're traveling late and can’t find a decent meal after a long flight, especially when the posted hours say the restaurant should be open. Unfortunately, airport restaurants often close earlier than expected for a few reasons, and it’s not just limited to Atlanta. Here’s why this might be happening:
- Staffing and Slow Business
As you mentioned, restaurants might close early due to low demand. After a certain hour, traffic in the terminals slows down, and it’s common for businesses to reduce hours to save on labor costs. This is especially true for restaurants that rely on a rush of passengers during peak travel hours and may not see as much traffic during the late-night hours.
- Airport Regulations and Contractual Hours
Some restaurants in airports operate under contracts that dictate their hours based on expected traffic. Even if the airport is open 24 hours, not all food services are, as many food providers choose to close early, especially when there are fewer flights arriving late at night. These contracts often aren’t flexible to account for flights that come in late or passengers who are stuck during odd hours.
- Security and Operational Concerns
Late-night operations at the airport, especially after security checkpoints, can sometimes be more difficult for restaurants. Staff turnover can increase late at night, and limited airport security staff may make it harder to maintain smooth operations. These factors often lead to earlier closings in airports compared to other parts of the city.
As for alternatives, here are a few tips to help you avoid being left hungry at night next time:
- Plan Ahead
If you’re arriving late, it might be a good idea to check restaurant hours ahead of time and make sure you know which ones will still be open. Some restaurants at ATL do stay open later, but they may be in specific terminals or closer to baggage claim.
- Look for Convenience Stores
If sit-down restaurants are closed, consider grabbing something at one of the airport’s convenience stores. While not ideal for a full meal, you can find packaged food, snacks, and sometimes even hot meals or sandwiches available 24/7.
- Explore Nearby Hotels or Airport Lounges
If you’re not able to find anything in the airport, check out nearby hotels that may have 24-hour dining options, or see if there are lounges in ATL that offer food and drinks into the late hours. Some airport lounges have extended hours and may offer hot food, even late at night.
Unfortunately, this early closing trend seems to be becoming more common in many airports as well, and it’s not just an ATL issue. Hopefully, though, airports will adjust their offerings as demand grows for more late-night dining options. Until then, it’s always good to double-check hours or even plan for a snack for those late-night arrivals!
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