NCWV Airport Officials Talk Possible New Options for Food at Recently Opened Terminal at BAA Meeting
By Jeff Toquinto on September 23, 2026
There is potential good news on the food front for those waiting for their flights at the North Central West Virginia Airport. On Tuesday, the Benedum Airport Authority agreed to allow for an “Request for Proposal (RFP)” to go out to upgrade the options at the food area at the new terminal.
The item was one of several the Authority, the airport’s governing body, dealt with the September meeting.
NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock sought permission to approve the area known as the Snack Shack. It is currently located in the secure area
where passengers wait after being screened by TSA.
where passengers wait after being screened by TSA.
Along with vending machines, there are bagged sandwiches, snacks, water, and other items such as pepperoni rolls available for purchase, Rock said. The food area is manned by airport staff during flight operation hours, particularly peak passenger times.
What upgrades does the airport want to see? Rock said the RFP will be seeing what options, if any, an entrepreneur would like to explore.
“We want to possibly upgrade and see if we can find a partner out there that wants to be part of our growth,” said Rock. “We want to see if we can offer more amenities to our guests. We have a nice spot, and if we can enhance it we will.”
The food area plan will not be a “sit down” restaurant concept, said Rock, at the current time. The previous terminal, despite offering essentially free rent to restaurateurs, was unable to find an entity to provide a restaurant that served the public and the passengers. This area, for now, will be for passengers only.
“Eventually, we would like this to be a full-scale restaurant and bar for the traveling public,” Rock said. “We’re also looking at some concepts where other airports allow family to come and sit with you while you’re waiting for your aircraft. We’re looking to see what’s out there to best enhance the passenger experience.”
The good news is that the RFP option has come about, Rock said, after having “discussions with local people.” If there are responses to
the RFP, Rock said a committee will be put together to review them and determine if they are feasible. Everything, he said, would be brought back to the Authority for review.
the RFP, Rock said a committee will be put together to review them and determine if they are feasible. Everything, he said, would be brought back to the Authority for review.
NCWV Airport Deputy Director Shawn Long said standard options for food service are not available as the area does not have a commercial hood system typically utilized by many eateries. However, he said the airport could get an “all in one” cooking machine like what is “used by Subway” restaurants. He also said a pizza oven could be installed.
Long said discussions have already been held with the Clarksburg-Harrison Health Department regarding what changes will need to be made for handling food if a proposal comes to fruition. Currently, everything is pre-packaged, said Long and does not require a food handler’s card.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock, while Deputy Director Shawn Long is shown in the bottom photo. Middle image shows the Snake Shack inside the TSA secured area at the new terminal.
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