"The Flying Minnow" To Open At Nantucket Airport

The Flying Minnow will be the new concession business at Nantucket Memorial Airport this summer, providing travelers with a range of grab-and-go food selections, retail items, crafts, toys and other sundries.

The concession will be operated by island resident Rebecca Chapa, who had run The Hungry Minnow at Children's Beach for five years before being outbid for the new lease offered by the town. The Flying Minnow, which is scheduled to open by Memorial Day Weekend, will be located just beyond the TSA checkpoint for outgoing passengers leaving the island.

The Nantucket Memorial Airport Commission last week approved a $5,000 lease agreement with Chapa., which includes a minimum annual guaranteed rent, percentage rent based on gross sales, plus an annual business fee.

“Before I lived on Nantucket I would dread those moments waiting for my plane, so sad to leave this special island," Chapa said. "We will provide grab and go refreshments and food, retail items, sundries, crafts and toys to ease the transition for travelers as they await their departure,” she said. “I want to make the space very appealing to families as well. After five years at Children’s Beach I know what can appease children and be parent approved.”

Chapa said the name is based on the flying fish that whalers would encounter at sea.

In addition to food and refreshments, the Flying Minnow will also be selling gift items will include locally made crafts, some made by Chapa herself, and a new line of Nantucket inspired shirts, decals and souvenirs.