JFK Terminal 5 Transforms Into a Culinary Showcase of New York

The refresh, a collaborative effort between JetBlue, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Fraport USA, aims to anchor the terminal in the spirit of its home city. Recent openings have brought heavy hitters to the concourse, including Eataly, which launched a 3,800-square-foot marketplace and wine bar, and the historic Nom Wah Tea Parlor, known for its century-long legacy in Manhattan’s Chinatown. The Halal Guys, famous for their origins as a Midtown street cart, have also established a footprint to serve their signature gyro platters to travelers.

Beyond these marquee names, the terminal now hosts local favorites such as Leon’s Bagels and Jacob’s Pickles, alongside retail additions like the immersive gaming lounge Gameway. The project reaches a milestone this September with the completion of the Central Node Park, a redesigned central concourse intended to serve as a venue for live performances, pop-up events, and cultural programming. According to Jose Cuevas, vice president of Fraport New York, the goal is to shift the terminal’s identity from a transit necessity to an experience-led destination.