At RDU, we connect you to the people and places that matter most. Sometimes, that means introducing our guests to all the Triangle region has to offer.

RDU recently introduced six new restaurant concepts, announced today that La Farm Bakery and Café will join the Terminal 2 dining community, and we drew renowned Chef Katsuji Tanabe to his new home.

From downtown Raleigh, Tanabe now brings people together from across the Triangle—and the world—through the airport to taste his melting pot of cuisine.

We recently sat down with Chef Tanabe, winner of Food Network’s Chopped and alum of Bravo’s Top Chef. His newest endeavor, High Horse (in Raleigh’s City Market), follows success in Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas.

Noticeable growth across the Triangle first drew Tanabe’s interest, followed quickly by the region’s emerging reputation as a culinary destination. But more than that, he found a place he and his family could call home.

“I’ve never been this welcomed anywhere else,” he said.

He notes that the welcoming environment begins at the airport—from the people to the convenience to the restaurants that offer travelers a taste of local flavors.

Tanabe’s experience is our goal for all RDU guests. As our airport grows by double digits year-over-year, we are thoughtfully working to accommodate the demands of our region. With additional flight options, locally-inspired concessions, new gates, improved parking and more, RDU’s Vision 2040 aims to upgrade the travel experience by delivering even more convenience and world-class service.

No matter where RDU takes you, we want you to feel at home while you’re here.