USA. SSP America has been awarded a contract to operate more than ten food & beverage (F&B) units in John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 as part of a major refresh of JetBlue’s flagship terminal.
The agreement strengthens SSP’s long-standing partnership with Fraport USA and builds on its established presence at New York’s leading aviation hub.
The expansion adds a broad mix of New York favourites and internationally recognised F&B brands to the terminal, complementing the recently opened Jacob’s Pickles and Leon’s Bagels.
Among the new concepts is Mister Paradise, an East Village cocktail bar known for its tropical-inspired drinks and retro aesthetic. According to SSP, it offers a lively atmosphere for socialising and enjoying creative New York cocktails.
Dunkin’, the largest coffee and donut chain in the USA, joins the offer alongside fast-growing modern burger brand Shake Shack.
Founded in Massachusetts, Dunkin’ has grown to more than 14,000 locations across nearly 40 international markets.
Premium burger chain Shake Shack serves made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun shakes, house-made lemonades and a broad range of beverages. The brand’s ‘Stand For Something Good’ ethos is reflected in its sourcing standards, employee development initiatives, design approach and ongoing community engagement.
Birch Coffee brings its New York-roasted blends and a library-style café atmosphere to the terminal. The brand was founded in 2015 in Long Island City.
Tiki Chick is a vibrant tiki bar from the Upper West Side known for tropical cocktails and a laidback atmosphere. It features fun, colourful décor and is known for its frozen piña colada.
Plant-based F&B brand Juice Press will offer organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls. Juice Press is known for its commitment to wellness and emphasises clean ingredients as well as sustainable practices.
Additional brands include The Gotham Burger Social Club and Threes Brewing.
The Gotham Burger Social Club is known for its distinctive, flavour-forward burgers with grilled onions, melted American cheese, signature pickles, jalapeños and Club Sauce served in a warm, Western-inspired space.
Threes Brewing is a Brooklyn brewery with a strong local following. It is known for flagship beers Vliet, Logical Conclusion, Gowanus Gold and All or Nothing. Threes Brewing has locations in Gowanus, Greenpoint, Governors Island and Huntington, Long Island.
Blind Barber rounds out the eclectic mix. Founded in 2010 in New York City’s East Village, Blind Barber offers a hybrid speakeasy-style barbershop concept. It combines grooming services with a curated drinks offer and contemporary design. The brand has since extended its reach with a portfolio of grooming products.
Terminal 5’s broader refresh includes a number of new concessions, upgraded amenities, new art installations and a redesigned central concourse inspired by New York’s parks. Further concessions are scheduled to open throughout 2025, with the improvements slated for completion by the end of 2026.
SSP America’s Chief Development Officer Paul Loupakos commented, “Terminal 5 has long been a symbol of customer-focused innovation, and its refresh is a bold step forward in creating a more immersive, New York-inspired experience.
“SSP America is honoured to be part of this transformation, curating a portfolio that celebrates the city’s culinary diversity and vibrancy. Our mission is to make the airport the best part of the journey – and in T5, that means delivering heartfelt hospitality and a true taste of place that travellers will remember.”
Fraport New York Vice President of Operations Jose Cuevas added: “We’re proud to introduce these new dining concepts to JFK T5, each bringing its own authentic flavour and character that capture the energy of New York. Together, they elevate the experience in the terminal, offering customers more variety, higher quality and a true taste of the city before they take flight.” ✈
