Middle Child bills itself as “an everyday neighborhood joint inspired by the delis and diners of old-school Philly, good for taking out or hanging out.” Now its inventive sandwiches, salads, and cocktails are accessible to domestic and international passengers at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Constructed for Jackmont Hospitality, the restaurant occupies a large open space at the far end of Terminal D. Featuring commanding views of the airfield, friendly service, and a menu that satisfies hungry travelers, Middle Child was an instant hit when it opened in September 2025. The atmosphere in the brightly colored and well-lit space is lively, with monitors conveniently displaying flight information, news and entertainment programs.

The successful execution of the project over a 16-week period stems from consistent collaboration by RKA with the design team, the airport’s tenant coordination group, and a highly skilled cadre of subcontractors. Early preconstruction planning and weekly coordination meetings allowed the team to resolve design and logistical challenges in advance, resulting in one of the most efficient restaurant builds completed at PHL.

The design incorporated a former common food court and seating area into the venue’s footprint, and the renovation scope encompassed new soffits, smoke sealing, sprinkler reconfiguration, and fire alarm integration. The restaurant’s most distinctive feature is the Kelly green powder-coated steel ceiling grillwork suspended artfully throughout the space. Although purely decorative, it was complicated to fabricate and install within tight tolerances. Additional highlights include seamless millwork, a custom bar bottle display, and precise tilework.

Middle Child is the fourth restaurant that RKA has completed for Jackmont Hospitality. The others are Oyster House, Federal Donuts, and Elixr Coffee.