Airport commission approves Yolobel Mata as terminal restaurant tenant with three months free rent

The Springdale City Airport Commission approved Yolobel Mata as the new tenant for the airport terminal restaurant after a brief interview and discussion about move-in timing, equipment and hours.

The vote followed a presentation by Mata’s representative, Jenny Sosa, and questions from commissioners and city operations staff about space readiness, electrical needs and startup marketing. Commissioners agreed to a three-month rent abatement; the commission’s motion specified a zero-rent period of three months with a modified effective date of April 1, and the motion passed by roll call.

The vote matters because the airport has lacked an on-site food option for some time; commissioners and staff said a working restaurant will improve passenger experience and airport morale. The commission also tied operational expectations to tenant hours and to coordination with airport operations staff to ensure the space is prepared and utilities are sufficient.

During the meeting, Sosa said Mata had visited the space, liked the layout and planned to leverage an existing bakery client base, radio advertising and social media to drive customers. “She’s been over the moon trying to get in there,” Sosa said, adding Mata hopes to open in early May if build-out and cleaning are complete. Mata told commissioners, “Thank you so much for the opportunity. You guys will not be let down.”

Commissioners and staff discussed move-in logistics. Operations staff said the space will need cleaning and that some equipment—plates and silverware—will not be provided by the city. The prospective tenant noted she may need a warming table; staff said most smaller warming tables will use standard outlets, but larger units may require dedicated circuits and that any new equipment could be brought by the tenant and then connected by city staff to ensure proper wiring.

Commissioners emphasized that posted hours are a baseline: the tenant proposed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday–Saturday (closed Sunday), and staff said someone must be present during posted hours, though early openings for special events or peak flight times could be arranged. Commissioners also discussed potential early openings for high-traffic days such as sports events.

The motion to accept Mata as tenant included the three-month free rent provision and a modified start date of April 1; the commission approved the motion by roll call (recorded yes votes: Tatiana; Thomasin; Collier; Jordan). The commission and staff encouraged Mata to coordinate closely with airport staff if problems or delays arise.

The commission also asked staff to coordinate marketing with the city communications lead to publicize the restaurant opening through social media and on-site signage so incoming passengers know the dining option is returning. Staff said they will work with Mata on move-in scheduling, electrical hookups if needed, and follow-up inspections.

The commission’s motion and the vote concluded the tenant item; commissioners moved on to operations and construction updates afterward.