Calgary International Airport (YYC) is transforming the travel experience with a bold new culinary addition that celebrates Alberta's homegrown talent. The recently opened Wander Kitchen and Bar brings the expertise of celebrated local chef Nicole Gomes to the domestic departures area, offering travelers an authentic taste of Calgary before they take off.
Elevating Airport Dining with Local Flair
Airports have long been known as culinary wastelands dominated by generic chain restaurants and fast-food options. But YYC Calgary International Airport is part of a growing movement to change that narrative by incorporating local character and flavors into its dining landscape.
The airport has been steadily building its collection of locally inspired offerings in recent years, including popular establishments like Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters and Summit House pub featuring Banded Peak Brewing products. This strategic shift aims to create more inviting environments for travelers while showcasing what makes Calgary unique.
Meet the Chef Behind the Concept
Nicole Gomes, the culinary mastermind behind Wander, brings impressive credentials to the airport dining scene. The chef has become a familiar face to Canadian food enthusiasts through multiple television appearances on shows like Top Chef Canada and Iron Chef Gauntlet. She's also the co-founder of Cluck and Cleaver and has been a significant presence in Calgary's food community for nearly two decades.
Interestingly, Gomes never initially envisioned having an airport restaurant. The opportunity emerged in 2022 when SSP Canada—a major global operator with over 600 bar, restaurant, and café locations across nearly 40 countries—approached her about a collaboration. While Gomes serves as the public face of Wander, she emphasizes that the project represents a collective effort between SSP, YYC Airport, and her own creative direction.
Design and Menu That Capture Calgary's Spirit
The result of this collaboration is a strikingly modern space that immediately stands out from typical airport dining options. Wander features a vibrant pink and green color scheme and incorporates personal touches that reflect Gomes' taste and history. The restaurant feels both contemporary and authentically connected to its creator.
The menu skillfully balances airport necessities with Gomes' culinary signatures. Travelers can enjoy breakfast options and burgers alongside dishes that showcase the chef's distinctive style. Those familiar with Gomes' work will recognize her love of fried chicken and Asian flavors in items like the crunchy salt and pepper popcorn chicken.
Another highlight is the chicken parm sandwich, inspired by the dish that helped Gomes defeat celebrity chef Bobby Flay on his competition show. The menu also celebrates Calgary's culinary diversity with Vietnamese banh mi subs, crispy potstickers, and Thai curry bowls.
The opening of Wander represents a significant step forward in YYC's ongoing mission to enhance the passenger experience while supporting local businesses. For travelers passing through Calgary, it offers a final—or first—taste of what makes the city's food scene special, proving that airport dining no longer needs to be an afterthought.
