Today, Avolta companies HMSHost and Hudson outlined details of their new concessions planned for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5. JFK T5 is under redevelopment by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JetBlue, with the concessions program developed and managed by Fraport USA.
HMSHost and Hudson were two of a handful of concessions operators awarded contracts for T5 in deals announced earlier this year.
HMSHost was awarded a 10-year contract to operate six restaurants across more than 7,800 square feet beginning later this year. The contract is HMSHost’s third awarded at JFK in recent months.
“We have a bold vision for the future of dining in JFK Terminal 5. New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for a culinary scene that attracts visitors from across the globe, and we believe that the dining experience in T5 should represent the diverse tastes of such a unique place,” said Steve Johnson, president and CEO for North America at Avolta. “We appreciate the confidence that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA, and JetBlue have in us and our joint-venture partners and that they share in our excitement to transform the traveler experience. 2025 will be an exciting year for HMSHost as we expand our food and beverage operations in numerous terminals at JFK, one of the busiest airports in North America.”
The concepts under development by HMSHost represent a cross-section of New York’s food and beverage scene, from authentic Italian fare and Mexican flavors to a locally inspired restaurant and bar created exclusively for T5. The lineup includes Queens-based Italian deli Benateri’s; Big Bourbon Bar NYC, a proprietary concept that will offer New York-made Hudson Whiskey accompanied by a chef-curated menu of elevated bar snacks, sandwiches and pizzas; Italian restaurant Eataly; Dos Toros Tacos, a fast-casual concept with 19 restaurants across New York City; and Chopt, a salad-focused offering.
On the retail side, Hudson will open a New York City-inspired retail store and a fully immersive video gaming lounge under a seven-year contract awarded by Fraport USA. The two locations together will span more than 1,360 square feet of concessions space. The new duty-paid contract is Hudson’s third awarded in recent months at JFK.
“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA, and JetBlue have created a modern terminal with an exciting, diverse selection of concessions that encourages travelers to arrive early to experience it, and we are very proud to grow our partnership as Terminal 5 evolves,” added Johnson. “2025 will be a strong year for Hudson as we expand our retail operations in several terminals at JFK, one of the busiest airports in North America.”
Hudson will open Park Ave Emporium by Hudson, which draws inspiration from the illustrious Park Avenue in Manhattan. This unique retail concept will be tailored exclusively for T5 travelers and designed to be a powerhouse of convenience, with a comprehensive selection of travel essentials and necessities, and self-checkout for a seamless experience, especially during peak demand. Park Ave Emporium by Hudson will also offer a curated selection of products from local artisans, including souvenirs, gifts and snacks. Hudson will operate Park Ave Emporium by Hudson with three Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners: Kellee Communications Group, Inc.; New York-based Sullivan-Hernandez Group, Inc.; and Queens-based The Nourish Spot, Inc.
Hudson has also partnered to open a Gameway video gaming lounge. Gameway in Terminal 5 will be a 100% ACDBE-operated sublease with Gameway co-founder Emma Wallbridge.
