DEN Celebrates the Opening of Three Local Concessions: Maria Empanada, Uncle and The Bindery

DENVER - July 17, 2025 - Today, Denver International Airport (DEN) celebrated the opening of three new restaurants on Concourse A: Maria Empanada, Uncle and The Bindery.

"The opening of Maria Empanada, Uncle and The Bindery marks the latest additions to the new Concourse A-West expansion, bringing even more vibrant culinary concepts to DEN," DEN CEO Phil Washington said. "Today's celebration signifies an expansion of DEN's dining options, providing passengers with a variety of local favorites and enhancing the travel experience for millions of annual travelers."

Maria Empanada is a distinguished café located in Denver that specializes in authentic Argentinian empanadas, offering a diverse selection of both sweet and savory varieties. The establishment was founded by Lorena Cantarovici, who initially marketed her empanadas from her garage. Following her initial success, she expanded the business to multiple locations. The menu features a variety of empanadas, traditional Argentinean cookies known as alfajores, Spanish-style churros, medialunas and a full espresso coffee bar.

"This is a dream come true, for me and for the entire Maria Empanada team. Being at DEN, the gateway to the world, with what we do best: our empanadas," Maria Empanada CEO and Founder Lorena Cantarovici said. "This is the perfect marriage: empanadas and an airport. Empanadas were practically made for airport life-easy to carry, no utensils needed and packed perfectly to keep warm. Let me give you a fair warning: They taste amazing, so don't be surprised if the person next to you on the plane asks for a bite!"

​Uncle is a Denver-based ramen shop renowned for its gourmet bowls and inventive Japanese-inspired dishes. With locations in the Highlands and West Washington Park neighborhoods, it offers a variety of ramen options, including spicy chicken and duck, as well as steamed buns and yakitori skewers.

"When we opened Uncle in 2012, I never would have thought we'd be serving our food in one of the busiest airports in the world," Uncle Owner and Chef Tommy Lee said. "We're excited to help represent the local culinary scene and show people from all over the world that Denver is delicious and diverse!"

The Bindery is a New American fine dining restaurant, wine market and bakery located in Denver's Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood. It offers a diverse menu featuring dishes like chestnut honey and thyme baby back ribs, Cajun shrimp and grits, and hand-cut Bindery fries with a Middle Eastern spice mix.

"I am thrilled to represent the city of Denver and our vibrant culinary community at the airport. With this second location of The Bindery, we intend to enhance travelers' experiences with our dynamic beverage, wine and food offerings, bringing creativity and quality with every dish, drink and bite," The Bindery Chef and Owner Linda Hampsten Fox said.

All three of these distinct food and beverage concepts are operated by Mission Yogurt, which specializes in innovative airport and streetside dining concepts that continue to elevate the traveler's experience at DEN.

​"We're thrilled to bring The Bindery, Uncle and Maria Empanada to Denver International Airport," Mission Yogurt Founder and President Rod Tafoya said. "These beloved local favorites represent the best of Denver's culinary scene, and we're proud to share their unique flavors with travelers from around the world in one of the nation's busiest airports."

Maria Empanada, Uncle and The Bindery are located on Concourse A near gate A26.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit https://www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN's monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

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