USA. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in partnership with Avolta’s HMSHost and ASUR Airports, has unveiled Eataly at John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 8.
The opening marks the Italian marketplace and retail concept’s North American airport debut and forms part of the US$125 million commercial upgrades of the terminal, delivered in partnership with ASUR Airports, the terminal’s commercial operator, and American Airlines.
The concept comprises a 513sq m full-service restaurant, a 126sq m wine bar and a retail shop, with further expansion planned across JFK Airport terminals 4 and 5.
The T8 opening brings Eataly’s network to more than 60 locations globally, with 20 across North America.
The JFK Airport location presents the brand’s signature Italian lifestyle concept, featuring Italian specialities such as pizza and pasta dishes, among others.
The 130-seat venue includes a dedicated wine bar with seating for 45 guests, offering Italian wines from different regions, as well as a café serving grab-and-go options, coffee, soft drinks and curated retail items.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, “Beloved by New Yorkers and world-renowned, the opening of Eataly at Terminal 8 advances the Port Authority’s goal of creating a world-class passenger experience and a unique sense of place at a new JFK International Airport.
“We are thrilled that Eataly has chosen JFK for its North American airport debut as we work with our private partners, including American Airlines, HMS Host and ASUR Airports, at Terminal 8 to make our terminals an enjoyable part of the passenger journey.”
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole commented, “The addition of a new Eataly at JFK’s Terminal 8 is exactly what passengers have come to expect when they arrive in a region that is known around the world for extraordinarily diverse and outstanding dining.
“Iconic global brands like Eataly, operating alongside locally inspired concessions, will create a unique sense of place at JFK that will be nothing short of world-class.”
Avolta North America President and CEO Steve Johnson added, “The opening of Eataly marks several significant milestones and the beginning of an exciting partnership between HMSHost and Eataly.
“Eataly is a globally recognised and beloved brand with deep roots in New York, and we’re proud to bring its world-class Italian cuisine to travellers looking for a superior dining experience.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to reimagining the airport journey – making it as memorable and rewarding as the destination itself.”
Eataly Group CEO Andrea Cipolloni said, “Eataly’s mission is to champion Italian food and wine culture across the globe, transporting our guests to Italy through each of our touchpoints, whether they dine in one of our flagship stores or in new outlets such as the airports.
“Our partnership with HMSHost marks a monumental step for our brand in North America as we expand into major transportation hubs, allowing us to connect with our audience during their travel journey.”
JFK at ASUR Airports Vice President Ian Carter said: “From the outset, our goal was to fundamentally elevate what airport dining could be. We were intentional about bringing a brand like Eataly into the airport conversation – one that resonates deeply with New Yorkers while carrying global recognition.
“Working closely with our partners, we helped shape an airport-ready expression of Eataly that delivers authenticity, quality and a true sense of place. Opening the first Eataly in a North American airport is a milestone, and it reflects the broader vision we have for transforming the passenger experience at JFK.”
Eataly’s Terminal 8 location was developed through a partnership with small local businesses, operating as joint-venture equity partners. These include Queens-based Neir’s Tavern, Ranchito Salvadoreno, both graduates of the Port Authority’s Institute of Concessions, and The Nourish Spot, as well as Charlotte, North Carolina-based FDY Inc.
The collaborative project incorporates in-store technology such as self-order kiosks, an intuitive QR code order-and-pay system, and streamlined self-checkout solutions, delivering a fully digital and more convenient guest experience at every touchpoint.
Club Avolta loyalty programme members can enjoy exclusive benefits, rewards and access to cross-promotions.
The launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting and reception with senior representatives from HMSHost, Eataly, ASUR Airports, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and American Airlines. Guests enjoyed Eataly’s best-selling menu items, live music and the ceremonial cracking of a Parmigiano Reggiano DOP cheese wheel.
Set for completion in the coming months, Terminal 8’s commercial programme will introduce more than 60 concessions to the airport, building on a US$400 million terminal expansion and modernisation completed in 2022 as part of the Port Authority’s US$19 billion JFK transformation initiative 
