May 5, 2025

HMSHost Unveils Plans to Bring a Fresh Era of Dining to Terminal 5 of John F. Kennedy International Airport through Newly Awarded 10-year Contract

Leader in travel dining will enhance the sense of place at JFK, infusing the vibrant flavors of New York into Terminal 5 — from New York City’s most beloved community eateries.

BETHESDA, Maryland (May 5, 2025) – Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL) and a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, today announced it has won an 10-year contract at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to bring a new era of dining to Terminal 5 — one that will offer travelers a special taste of New York through a mix of familiar brands, hidden gems of the community, and locally inspired concepts.

Fraport USA, the concessions developer and manager selected by JetBlue for its award-winning flagship terminal, awarded HMSHost the contract to open six restaurants across more than 7,800 ft² beginning in 2025. The new contract, which was approved by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 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. 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,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. “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.”

“JetBlue and Fraport USA’s commitment to delivering world-class amenities and concessions to our customers aligns with the Port Authority’s goal of transforming JFK into one of the world’s great global gateways,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Creating a uniquely New York sense of place at JFK through the additions of iconic local businesses, art and design will make this terminal a memorable part of the passenger journey through our region.”

“JetBlue customers traveling through Terminal 5 will soon enjoy authentic products and dining experiences that represent the best of what our region has to offer,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These improvements by JetBlue and Fraport USA embrace our vision of a world-class passenger experience that will serve as the front door of this region to the rest of the world.”

New York City’s Culinary Spirit and Innovation Take Flight at JFK T5

Representing 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 new dining venues will make the journey as exciting as the destination for JetBlue customers. Throughout the terminal, customers will enjoy a better, seamless dining experience through technology including digital waitlists, QR code order and pay, self-order kiosks, self-checkout, and order confirmation boards, along with all the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, including exclusive offers and cross-promotions.

• Benateri’s – Renowned for its delectable Italian deli sandwiches, Benateri’s is a community staple of Queens. Benateri’s at T5 will offer travelers a taste of New York City’s deli culture through its signature creations and an expanded breakfast menu available only at JFK.
• Big Bourbon Bar NYC – This proprietary restaurant concept created for T5 will blend the bold, pioneering spirit of award-winning, New York-made Hudson Whiskey, accompanied by a chef-curated menu of elevated bar snacks, sandwiches, and pizzas.
• Eataly – An emblem of Italian culinary artistry that has cemented its place in New York City’s gastronomic culture, Eataly will offer travelers a taste of the authentic Italian lifestyle, serving iconic Italian dishes from antipasti to pasta and pizza with a wide selection of Italian wine.
• Dos Toros Taqueria – Born in Union Square and inspired by the taquerias of the Bay Area, Dos Toros brings fresh ingredients and bold flavors to 19 locations across NYC, redefining fast-casual Mexican.
• Chopt – Chopt brings creativity to every bite, combining high-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and original dressings to their lineup of salads, wraps and warm bowls.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with HMSHost to bring an extraordinary dining experience to Terminal 5. These innovative culinary concepts and standout offerings are a perfect fit for our vision of delivering world-class dining experiences, elevating the customer journey and reflecting the vibrant energy of Terminal 5,” said Jose Cuevas, Vice President of Operations for JFK T5, Fraport USA.

Through extensive outreach events and in partnership with Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Fraport USA, HMSHost is proud to operate its new T5 concessions with six New York-based entrepreneurs and certified Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners: Neir’s Tavern, Inc., Neat Rules Hospitality Group, LLC, Sugar Hill Creamery, LLC, Ranchito Salvadoreño, Inc., Nana’s Love, LLC, and Brooklyn Tea Seller Inc.

HMSHost currently operates numerous dining venues throughout JFK in Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 8.