Ampersand, a Fort Worth-based coffee shop known for its local flavor and community focus, has expanded its presence at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and plans further growth with the airport's upcoming Terminal F opening in 2027. The coffee shop currently operates a full-service location at gate C37 and a robot-operated kiosk, serving thousands of customers daily at the nation’s second-busiest airport.
Co-owner Toan Luong described the expansion to the airport as a challenging process. After competing against well-established national and international brands for a spot within Terminal C, Ampersand faced financial hurdles when their primary investor withdrew a $2.5 million loan midway through construction. A last-minute Small Business Administration loan enabled the company to complete the project and open in 2024.
Luong estimates the full-service store handles between 800 and 1,300 orders daily, with the kiosk adding 200 to 250 more. The company, founded by a group of friends who met in high school and college, has remained committed to its community roots, exemplified by its signature Vietnamese iced coffee—reflecting the founders’ heritage—and an employee-initiated run club that now counts thousands of members.
Ampersand aims not only to grow its own footprint but to assist other local small businesses seeking to establish a presence at the airport. Luong highlighted the difficulties smaller operators face, including complex procurement processes and high costs associated with airport leases and construction.
Debra Moore, owner of Mama Moore’s Gourmet Popcorn, echoed these challenges. Since launching her business in 2012, she is currently opening two new locations inside Terminals A and B at DFW. Moore said the process involved a rigorous request-for-procurement contract, extensive applications, and navigating architectural and construction demands that far exceed typical costs outside airport grounds. To mitigate expenses, she licensed with a prime operator, allowing her to reach a wide audience despite relinquishing some operational control.
In contrast, Ampersand seeks to help small businesses enter the airport on their own terms. Luong cited a potential partnership with Dallas-based Mike’s Chicken, aiming to guide the family-owned restaurant through the procurement process so it can maintain independent operations rather than aligning with a larger corporate entity.
“This industry has been monopolized, to say the least,” Luong said. “We’re here to balance out the universe.”
Looking ahead, Ampersand continues to explore expansion opportunities beyond the airport, including a new location in Dallas and plans for broader national and international growth. Luong expressed optimism about the potential for ambitious local businesses in the competitive airport environment, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and vision in achieving such goals.