‘Founded in Philly’ sandwich joint lands in Terminal D, officially open to all
PHILADELPHIA — Sept. 18, 2025 — Studies say the middle child is often overlooked. But Philly’s Middle Child is getting a well-deserved spotlight.
After making its airport debut last February at Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, Middle Child’s growing presence at PHL is reaching new heights with the official launch of its new standalone location in Terminal D.
The new eatery marks Middle Child’s warm welcome into MarketPlace PHL’s concessions program and its “Founded in Philly” initiative aimed at celebrating Philadelphia’s local shops, restaurants and products by establishing and uplifting them via our airport supply chain. The Founded in Philly program currently encompasses 15 city-native brands operating across 23 locations at PHL … with more to come.
Middle Child’s independent outpost at PHL is made possible by PHL Food & Shops’ partnership with foodservice management company Jackmont Hospitality, led by Daniel Halpern, CEO and Managing Member, and ACDBE partner Brenda Branch, Managing Member at High Places Concessions.
Best known for bringing its inventive sandwiches, salads and cocktails to the forefront of the Philly food discussion, Middle Child’s airport menu offers classic favorites along with some items you’ll only find in Terminal D — such as sure-to-please Blueberry Grilled Cheese.
Marrying Swiss and Cooper Sharp American cheeses with a sweet-tart blueberry chutney, all between slices of potato pullman bread pressed to golden perfection, Middle Child’s Blueberry Grilled Cheese puts a curious twist on the classic crunch-time sandwich, balancing gooey cheese with fruity lightness.
Much to Philadelphia’s delight, two of Middle Child’s most beloved sandwiches have also taken residency on its PHL menu: the Shopsin Club, layered with cranberry miso mayo; and the Deli Breakfast Sandwich, which earned national recognition two years ago in Good Morning America’s live bracket-style breakfast tournament, crowning the brunch spot as “GMA’s Ultimate Breakfast” destination.
“Middle Child’s arrival at PHL personifies our commitment to showcasing the very best of Philadelphia’s trendsetting food culture,” said Mel Hannah, Vice President and General Manager of MarketPlace PHL.
Brought to life by Matthew Cahn in 2017, Middle Child started out on Center City’s South 11th Street, heavily inspired by the classic diners and delicatessens of Philadelphia. Childhood experiences with family and neighborhood favorites like Little Pete’s influenced Cahn’s blueprint for a community-based, approachable eating environment where culinary cleverness and cheeky humor go hand in hand.
Blending kitschy décor with exciting, experimental menu ideas, Middle Child’s quirky, playful persona broadened its footprint in 2021 with the introduction of the Middle Child Clubhouse, an expanded concept with a larger dining space and bar.
Earlier this year, the boundary-pushing sandwich brand brought its bread-binding prowess to New York City for a limited pop-up at Edith’s Sandwich Counter in Williamsburg and the West Village. Guests sampled Cahn’s own crossover creation, the “Cuban Wollensky,” a hybrid of three longtime classics: the Cuban, the Wollensky and the Texas Tommy.
The Philly-famous neighborhood sandwich shop now has officially taken off with its own full-fledged restaurant at PHL, bringing its unique culinary pizzazz to the traveling public.
For more information, please visit PHLfoodandshops.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos of the newly opened Middle Child at PHL and its team are embedded in this release, along with a photo featuring the Breakfast Sandwich with Bacon and Tots; high-resolution versions are available upon request.
FOR MEDIA USE: B-roll footage from the opening of Middle Child can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pezbcjcm77w4xuzlvys8y/MiddleChild_MediaMelt_1080p.mp4?rlkey=hpr6vizmzto66e91kf25nhxnq&dl=0.
ABOUT MARKETPLACE PHL
MarketPlace PHL, LLC, is the private partner with the City of Philadelphia in the management of the food and retail programs throughout Philadelphia International Airport. The award-winning program offers more than 170 shops, restaurants and services. The MarketPlace PHL portfolio features local Philly favorites, as well as regional and national brands. MarketPlace PHL, LLC, is a partnership between MarketPlace Development, a Boston-based airport retail development firm, and LeJeune & Associates, a Philadelphia-based retail development, management and consulting firm. For more information, visit PHLfoodandshops.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Griffin Horner
For MarketPlace PHL
484-683-5980
griffin@hornercom.com
