New York’s iconic food brands debut at JFK’s Terminal 4, enhancing passenger experience

Credit: JFKIAT

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, alongside JFKIAT—the operator of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4 (T4)—has unveiled a dynamic new lineup of food and beverage offerings. The selection includes a mix of iconic local and national brands, enhancing the New York sense of place at the recently expanded terminal.

New York-based names such as Bessou, Dos Toros Taqueria, Boqueria, Eataly, Good To Go by JBF™, and Villa Russo Café, a family-owned Queens business, will offer unique culinary experiences. These local favourites were selected through a competitive process, with HMSHost—global leader in travel dining—winning the contract to operate them. HMSHost also formed joint ventures with seven diverse, ACDBE-certified local businesses, selected through community outreach. The goal is to foster mentorship, allowing local business owners to learn airport concession operations from a global partner, while offering a truly New York dining experience.

“From the outset, our goal in building a new JFK International Airport has been to create a world-class passenger experience that will include a mix of exceptional local food and beverage brands alongside notable national brands,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Terminal 4’s lineup of iconic local brands will help create a travel experience that is unique to New York.”

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole added, “Locally owned, iconic food and beverage concessions at JFK’s Terminal 4 are an important part of our effort to create the world-class experience that travelers expect at the nation’s premier international airport. Passengers will experience the tastes of our region from the moment they arrive until the moment they depart.”

JFKIAT CEO Roel Huinink commented, “The transformation of T4 and JFK Airport has given us a new opportunity to work with local businesses and provide gateways for meaningful local investment. I am looking forward to the arrival of our new local partners at T4, and I am pleased we will offer even more authentic New York flavours and experiences.”

Steve Johnson, President and CEO of Avolta, North America, said, “In a city renowned for its culinary scene, JFK has evolved into a dining destination. We’re proud to partner with JFKIAT, the Port Authority, and our joint-venture partners to make the journey as exciting as the destination for travellers passing through Terminal 4.”

The new dining and beverage options at T4 include:

• Bessou: Manhattan-based, James Beard Foundation alumni, offering Japanese comfort food.
• Fieldtrip: A Harlem-based restaurant connecting global cuisines through rice.
• Boqueria: A sophisticated tapas bar.
• Eataly: A gourmet marketplace embodying classic Italian gastronomy.
• Brooklyn Tea & Market: A tea shop blending old-world appreciation with next-generation global innovation.
• Dos Toros Taqueria: Authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Chopt: A popular Manhattan-originated salad destination.
• Villa Russo Café: A family-run Queens business offering Italian-American tradition.
• Good To Go by JBF™: A fast-casual concept by the James Beard Foundation featuring a menu by the women behind Due Madri.

These new offerings promise to enhance the JFK travel experience with vibrant, locally inspired flavours.

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