For one of the local business owners at John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 8, JFK was always part of the backdrop of life in Southeast Queens. Growing up, Dawn Kelly watched planes pass overhead and dreamed about the places they were going. Years later, she never expected that her own business, The Nourish Spot, would become part of the airport's story welcoming travelers from around the world while representing the community she proudly calls home.
At ASUR Airports, we work alongside our retail partners to create meaningful opportunities for local and minority-owned businesses to reach a global audience. Through one such partnership, The Nourish Spot joined forces with Avolta to bring healthier, locally sourced products to travelers through Dear NYC in Terminal 8 introducing passengers to one of Southeast Queens' beloved wellness brands.
The Nourish Spot, a wellness-focused café known for its fresh salads, smoothies, and healthy grab-and-go offerings, now offers travelers healthy options at one of the world's most recognizable airports. But for Kelly, the achievement is about far more than business growth.
Founded in September 2017, Kelly opened The Nourish Spot in Southeast Queens to address a challenge Kelly experienced firsthand: limited access to healthy food options in her neighborhood. What began as a mission to bring fresh, nutritious choices to a community long considered a food desert has grown into a thriving brand with a Southeast Queens storefront, presence at JFK and at the US Open for its fifth consecutive year.
While airport concessions are often associated with national brands, Kelly believes travelers increasingly want authentic local experiences.
"People want to see the communities that surround an airport reflected inside the terminal," she said. "For us, it's exciting that travelers can get a taste of Southeast Queens before they even leave New York."
That local connection aligns closely with the vision behind JFK's redevelopment, which has prioritized creating opportunities for neighborhood businesses and diverse entrepreneurs.
"Dawn represents exactly the kind of authentic local business that helps make an airport experience memorable," said Ian Carter, ASUR Airports VP, JFK. "Her success demonstrates how partnerships with community-based entrepreneurs can create opportunities that extend far beyond the terminal and generate lasting impact where it matters most."
Kelly's path to the airport was built on persistence as much as preparation. As a longtime member of Community Board 12, she closely followed the plans for JFK's transformation and spent countless hours building relationships, attending meetings, and learning about the opportunities emerging through the redevelopment project.
She also wasn't afraid to share her ambitions.
While participating in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Kelly publicly declared that she wanted to expand into airports, schools, and stadiums. Within weeks, conversations began that would eventually lead to airport opportunities through Avolta and joint venture partnerships.
For Kelly, the experience reinforced a lesson she now shares with other entrepreneurs.
“Have your business in a good spot, have integrity, and network with as many people as you can,” she said. “Make time to get out and meet people. Opportunities come from putting yourself out there.”
Today, The Nourish Spot's growth extends beyond its storefront and airport locations. Kelly and her daughter Jade operate the business together, creating opportunities for young people through internships and mentorship programs while building what she describes as "generational wealth" for their family and community.
Yet despite the growth, some moments never lose their impact.
"The most exciting thing is still seeing our brand in the airport," Kelly says. "It hasn't gotten old."
For travelers passing through JFK, The Nourish Spot may be a place to grab a smoothie or a healthy meal before a flight. For Kelly, it represents something much bigger: a hometown business becoming part of the gateway that connects Queens to the world.
And as JFK's transformation continues, she sees even more opportunity ahead.
Kelly is appreciative of the support received from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Congressman Gregory Meeks who made it a priority to include the community in the airport redevelopment.
"Avolta and ASUR have been great partners," Kelly said. "This is just the beginning. We look forward to continuing to grow."
