Reviewed by: Pat Byington
BBQ on demand? Birmingham airport has a vending machine for that
Reading time: 3 minutes
Ever touched down after a long flight with a hankering for some barbeque? Don’t worry, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport’s got you covered.
In December 2024, the airport installed three hot food vending machines in TSA checkpoints, baggage claim and food court locations.
Chief among them—and the one that has garnered the most online attention—is the Chappie Daddy’s BBQ vending machine.
The menu offerings include a BBQ rib hoagie, a pulled pork melt, chicken pot pie and mac ‘n’ cheese, all between $5 and $11.
The Birmingham airport says the unique machine was placed there as a quick stop for food during off-hours.
Hot vending machines are really not a new concept. They have been around. But, you know, they’re not everywhere, and so for some people, they are a new idea…It was really designed to be another alternative for people who are in the airport during off hours or not able to go over to the secured side because they’re not traveling.
Kim Hunt, VP of Communications, Birmingham Airport Authority
The Bake Xpress kiosks deployed by NH Enterprises contain smart ovens that combine convection, infrared and microwave to custom bake various foods on demand. The Little Napoli Pizza, Chappie Daddy’s BBQ and Squoze machines serve a variety of foods including pizza, lasagna, breakfast sandwiches, burritos and pastries.
The BBQ machine is a fun discovery for travelers
Located near baggage claim, the BBQ vending machine is perfectly positioned to catch people’s attention, whether they are just arriving or picking up travelers.
We’ve all been at the airport when everything is closed or the lines at the food counters are long. We knew we needed a new way to serve customers.
Renard Mitchell, President of NH Enterprises
Birmingham-raised comedian Roy Wood Jr. shared his surprise with the vending machine recently, posting a video of the BBQ kiosk on X.
Folks call Birmingham countryand I get pissed and defend my city. Then as soon as I touch down at the airport, I see a barbecue sammich vending machine. 😂 pic.twitter.com/Unj7Lav0nT
— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) June 28, 2025
Reactions to the unique vending machine range from amazement to disapproval. Some say Birmingham is living in the future, and others say they will stick to their locally-revered hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint.
One thing’s for sure: it is certainly an unexpected—and potentially tasty—introduction to the Magic City.
