The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield have announced 24 new concessions set to open in John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8 as part of the terminal’s $125-million commercial redevelopment program. Concepts slated to open at The Boroughs Food Hall — operated by a joint venture with MERA US and New York City-based Tsion Enterprises, Texas-based Food Cycle LLC and Massachusetts-based South River Partners — include: Queens-based craft beer bar Cobblestones, adjacent to a new entertainment area known as “The Show”; New York-based Black Star Bakery & Cafe; New York-based modern Japanese cafe Mito; Middle Eastern quick serve restaurant Naya; Guy Fieri-backed Flavortown Kitchen; Brooklyn-based cafe and juicery BKLYN Blend; classic deli Bagel Boss; and Garden City-based Le Petit Gourmet.
On the retail side, Dufry was awarded an 11-year contract to transform the duty free retail experience. The contract marks Avolta’s third award at JFK Terminal 8 in the last year, totaling nearly 48,000 square feet of combined space.
Concepts slated to open as part of the terminal’s duty-free program — operated by Dufry (Avolta), Queens-based The Nourish Spot, New York-based Sullivan Hernandez Group, Atlanta-based Kellee Communications and Florida-based Tarra Enterprises, Inc. — include: W. 12th St. Market, inspired by the Meatpacking District and offering local products; Beauty on 5th, offering well-known perfume and cosmetic products from Dior, Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Kiehl’s, La Mer, YSL and Charlotte Tilbury; The Park at T8, a store inspired by Brooklyn’s Prospect Park offering perfume, skincare products, confections and premium spirits; BKLYN Shopping, offering perfumes, skincare products, confections wine and spirits; Chic Luxury Boutiques, offering products from global brands Longchamp, Marc Jacobs, Lacoste, BOSS, TAG Heuer, Breitling and Montblanc, as well as designer sunglasses from Avolta’s Suncatcher store; The Connoisseur Collection, offering a curated collection of liquor and tobacco products with built-in a speakeasy called Blinded Tiger; The Collection, offering fashion jewelry and watches from global brands Swarovski, NORQAIN, Oris, Citizen and Bulova; and Pre-Loved Luxury, offering upcycled leather goods and watches.
“We have an ambitious vision to redefine the duty-free shopping experience in Terminal 8 and are proud that The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports, and American Airlines share that vision,” said Steve Johnson, president and CEO, North America, Avolta. “This is a pivotal moment in JFK’s evolution, so it is an honor to be selected as the partner that will transform T8. Combined with our recently awarded contracts to bring new travel convenience, specialty retail, and food & beverage concepts to the terminal, this expanded partnership will allow us to design a world-class travel experience across all lines of Avolta’s business.”
In addition to the food hall and duty-free concepts, the terminal will welcome Bowery Meat Company, a New York City-based “meat-centric” restaurant from chef Josh Capon and restaurateur John McDonald; historic, Queens-based pub Neir’s Tavern; Greek-style Singas Pizza; outposts of Dunkin’ and Jimmy Johns operated by minority-owned M&R Concessions; and three Currency Exchanges operated by Susan Druckman. Both Bklyn Blend and Singas Pizza are recent graduates of the PANYNJ’s Institute of Concessions program designed to train small businesses for success in airport operations. The terminal’s concessions program currently boasts more than 50% New York-based operators, more than 50% New York-based brands and more than 15 brands new to airports.
“From the outset, our goal in building a new JFK International Airport has been to create passenger facilities that are among the best in the world,” said Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton. “Terminal 8’s new lineup featuring food and beverage concessions and shopping experiences from around the region as well as notable global brands, will create a passenger experience that is uniquely New York and best in class.”
“Locally owned, iconic concessions alongside national brands will create a sense of place at Terminal 8 that is unique to our region and a passenger experience that is world class,” said Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Across the region, we are creating airports that express the creativity and vitality of our region through concessions, art and architecture.”
“This bold lineup embodies our commitment to creating destinations that bring together the best cuisines and shopping venues reflective of the borough of Queens and New York City, iconic global brands, and unique products, experiences, and amenities to benefit our customers and our communities,” added Ian Carter, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s vice president of JFK. “Thank you to the Port Authority and American Airlines for giving us the opportunity to redefine the travel experience.”
“We are excited to transform the food hall and create an all-new duty free to modernize the customer experience at JFK Terminal 8,” said Amanda Zhang, American Airlines vice president of corporate real estate. “The additional brands announced today continue to showcase American’s partnership with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and URW to bring the culture and community of Queens, New York City and New York State to Terminal 8.”
“We are honored and thrilled to introduce The Boroughs Food Hall at JFK Terminal 8 as our newest concessionary project,” said MERA US Division president Rafael Aguirre. “For this innovative space, we´ll bring together a curated selection of culinary offerings from renowned local and global brands, ensuring every traveler can enjoy fresh, high-quality meals while on the go. As we continue to transform JFK into a world-class gateway, the food hall is a testament to our commitment to providing passengers with both exceptional convenience and a taste of the diverse flavors that New York has to offer.”
“We have an ambitious vision to redefine the duty-free shopping experience at Terminal 8 and are proud that The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, and American Airlines share that vision,” said Avolta North America president and CEO Steve Johnson. “This is a pivotal moment in JFK’s evolution, so it is an honor to be selected as the partner that will transform T8. Combined with our recently awarded contracts to bring new travel convenience, specialty retail, and food and beverage concepts to the terminal, this expanded partnership will allow us to design a world-class travel experience across all lines of Avolta’s business.”
