New coffee shop & deli feature local providers
(APPLETON, WIS.) Feb. 10, 2026–Appleton International Airport (ATW) announces it will partner with Copper Rock Coffee Company to open Grain & Grind Coffee & Deli. The coffee shop will be located in the existing concourse to replace the current restaurant and will be operated and managed by SSP America. It will feature a variety of custom coffee blends featured in Copper Rock’s retail locations.
Founded in 2003, Copper Rock started with a location on Appleton’s College Avenue, expanded to a second location on Ballard Road, and expanded to a third location at the Copper State Brewery in Green Bay. Owners Bill and Emily Heiges specialize in roasting and blending a variety of coffees and wholesale coffee across Northeast Wisconsin. The airport deli will feature Copper Rock full-service specialty coffees including espresso, latte, cappuccino, smoothies, and other drinks. The restaurant will also offer travelers breakfast options, sandwiches, salads, and cocktails.
“We are committed to partnering with regional businesses to give visitors the best taste of the Fox Valley,” said Airport Director Abe Weber. “Bringing a high quality, family-owned brand like Copper Rock to the airport enhances a unique travel experience for our passengers.”
Coffee shop owners say the opportunity to expand their brand to the airport is an honor.
“We love creating a quality product that encourages our customers to slow down and relax over a great cup of coffee,” said Bill Heiges, owner of Copper Rock. “Introducing the Copper Rock brand to travelers will be an exciting opportunity to showcase our coffees.”
“Our expanding airport is all about building partnerships,” said Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson. “We specifically sought out a local business rather than bringing in a national brand and are excited to share the taste of the Fox Cities with travelers.”
Airport officials also announced plans to expand express marts in the terminal. North River Express will be located before security and North River Trading Co. will be located after security on the new concourse. The retail locations will feature travel necessities and gift items unique to Wisconsin and the Fox Valley. The popular cases of Spotted Cow beer will still be available for purchase after travelers go through security—the brand is not sold outside of the state. SSP America, a nationwide firm providing food, beverage, and retail options to airports, will also operate the express marts.
Weber updated the progress of construction in the terminal.
Construction on the area connecting the new concourse to the existing concourse is underway and will be completed in phases. The express marts and Grain & Grind Coffee & Deli are scheduled to open in summer of 2026. Construction is also underway on the connector area joining the existing concourse with the new concourse. This area will feature an atrium with an indoor patio near the restaurant area.
“We were intentional about designing open areas with natural light,” Weber said. “By opening up the terminal and allowing sunlight to define the space, we’re not only creating a more pleasant experience, but reducing energy consumption and modernizing our facility.”
Future construction phases will expand ticketing and baggage claim areas and refresh existing concourse areas in the airport. The renovation will pay special attention to sustainability in future expansion plans. The 47,000 square foot concourse expansion opened for travelers in spring of 2025 and is funded by a combination of state, federal, regional grants and budgeted dollars.
