2026 IFSA Global EXPO attendees can taste brisket, smoked sausage, signature sides, and Pecan Lodge’s famous barbecue sauce as part of a Chef Demo hosted by the Texas barbecue restaurant together with American Airlines.
It Wouldn’t Be Texas Without Barbecue…
On January 9, 2026, American Airlines (AA) announced a partnership with “Dallas’ most award-winning BBQ,” Pecan Lodge, which saw first class passengers on flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport served custom Pecan Lodge dishes.
In February, passengers could opt for a barbecue platter featuring brisket and smoked sausage paired with creamy mac and cheese and crisp coleslaw. Then, in March, American began serving a chopped brisket sandwich with roasted green beans and creamy potato salad. Both came with a side of Pecan Lodge’s famous barbecue sauce.
Following an overwhelmingly positive response to the offering, American expanded its Pecan Lodge dishes to more flights out of DFW – specifically those to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Excitingly, American will share how it incorporates bold local flavors into its dining program at IFSA Global EXPO in Dallas. The airline is leading a Chef Demo focusing on its Pecan Lodge partnership between 01:15 PM and 02:00 PM on September 8, 2026.
Hosting the demonstration will be LSG Sky Chefs Corporate Executive Chef Mark Young and Pecan Lodge Owner and Pitmaster Justin Fourton. Young leads culinary innovation for LSG Sky Chefs in Dallas and has over 20 years of experience spanning restaurants, hotels, catering and cruise operations.
Together with his wife, Fourton began Pecan Lodge as a mobile catering operation in 2009. Since the brick-and-mortar restaurant opened in 2014, it has become one of the country’s most recognized barbecue destinations, featuring on numerous national television programs and in leading food and travel publications.
Celebrating 100 Years of American Airlines
The partnership between the two brands marked one of American’s first announcements during its centennial this year. At the time of the announcement, SVP Customer Experience Design and Strategy Rhonda Crawford commented, “As we celebrate American’s centennial anniversary in 2026, we’re looking forward to delighting our customers in new ways that honor unique regional tastes, beginning right here in our home state through one of the most beloved barbecue restaurants in Texas. Our customers deserve nothing but the best, and Pecan Lodge is certainly that.”
It is an example of just one of a host of broader centennial-related initiatives across the inflight services spectrum. In February, the carrier announced a full 1920s-inspired menu for international and transcontinental Flagship First and Flagship Business passengers, as well as those in domestic First Class. Dishes included a “Crisp Waldorf Salad” appetizer and Beef Wellington main.
The carrier also created a collection of amenity kits and sleepwear showcasing the carrier’s evolution over the last 100 years.
To register for APEX Global EXPO, click here.
