The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines, ASUR Airports, and Phoenix Infrastructure Group today celebrated the completion of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8 transformation with the grand opening of a $125 million commercial program that features more than 60 new dining, retail, Duty Free, and experiential concepts that have been curated to reflect the culture, tastes and creative spirit of the airport’s home borough and city. With 20 local dining and retail brands operating alongside global favorites, Terminal 8 provides travelers with a world class passenger experience that is also unique to Queens and to New York City.
Today’s debut of the new commercial program makes Terminal 8 the first completed terminal redevelopment project in the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK into the global gateway the region deserves. The commercial redesign follows a $400 million expansion and modernization of the terminal, completed in 2022 by American Airlines, which included five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, an expanded and upgraded baggage handling system and 130,000 square feet of new and refurbished space.
“Nearly a decade ago, the Port Authority unveiled its vision plan for the transformation of JFK International Airport into a world class global gateway that would once again be worthy of the city it calls home,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “With the completion of Terminal 8 and the debut of its diverse, locally inspired commercial program, we are giving passengers their first glimpse into what a new JFK will represent with a best-in-class experience from curb to gate.”
“Terminal 8 and its new, locally inspired commercial program will create a unique sense of place that elevates the travel experience to what is now an enjoyable part of the journey,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As we’ve done at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A, at LaGuardia Airport and now at JFK, the Port Authority is making historic investments with our private partners to create a passenger experience that will be among the best in the world.”
“Everything we do at Terminal 8 is rooted in one simple goal: making our customers’ journeys more enjoyable and more comfortable from the moment they arrive,” said American Airlines Vice President for Corporate Real Estate Amanda Zhang. “This commercial transformation builds on our significant investment in Terminal 8 and reflects our relentless focus on improving the customer experience. By bringing together iconic New York brands, modern amenities, and thoughtful spaces, we’re creating an experience that feels welcoming, intuitive, and worthy of the customers who fly with us every day while also supporting local businesses, jobs, and the communities that make New York such a special place to travel through and call home.”
“Today marks an exciting milestone for Terminal 8 and for the millions of travelers who pass through JFK each year,” said ASUR Airports VP, JFK, Ian Carter. “We are proud to partner with the Port Authority, American Airlines, and our many suppliers, joint-venture partners and entrepreneurs to deliver a dynamic experience rooted in the heart of New York and built to set a new standard for what’s possible in an airport terminal. By elevating local businesses and expanding opportunities for diverse operators, we are transforming the passenger journey and strengthening the neighborhoods and communities that make New York City.”
“As a minority‑owned infrastructure firm ourselves, Phoenix Infrastructure Group is proud to help deliver a concessions program that expands real opportunity for local, diverse, and emerging businesses,” said Phoenix Infrastructure Group CEO and Founder Jeremy Ebie. “We are proud to deliver this terminal redevelopment with our partners ASUR Airports in sharing a joint commitment to people, place, and opportunity. Airports are among the most dynamic infrastructure assets and economic drivers a community can have, powering economic growth, connecting people to places, and creating meaningful development beyond the terminal. JFK is a tremendous asset, and it’s rewarding to see this transformation not only within Terminal 8 but also throughout the Queens community.”
Deep Commitment to Creating the Best Concessions Program
To build a best-in-class concessions program, the Port Authority and ASUR conducted outreach with local elected officials and community partners to attract local and diverse businesses. ASUR increased participation by pairing local operators with leading brands and partners, resulting in a top‑tier concessions program built around proven, high‑quality brands and operators, including leading national concepts, best‑of‑New‑York favorites, and outstanding minority‑owned businesses.”
Five graduates of the Port Authority’s Institute of Concessions, including the minority owners behind the iconic BKLYN BLEND, Rincón Salvadoreño, Harisa Hot Honey, Beautiful Amore Skincare and the historic Neir’s Tavern, now join Terminal 8 through licensing deals, product placement and joint venture partnerships. Their involvement helps ensure a concessions program that reflects the surrounding communities and expands economic opportunity.
A New Era of Dining and Retail at Terminal 8
The centerpiece of the redevelopment is The Boroughs Food Hall by MERA, featuring a mix of beloved New York institutions and emerging local concepts, including Cobblestones, Black Star Bakery & Café, Mito, Naya, Flavortown Kitchen by Guy Fieri, BKLYN BLEND, Bagel Boss, and Le Petit Gourmet.
The newly launched program features the first U.S. airport locations of Eataly and Peach Palace by Momofuku. Terminal 8 also introduces some of New York’s most recognizable dining names, including Bowery Meat Company and the Black Tap portfolio of brands. Local staples such as Black Tap Singles & Doubles, Black Tap Bar, Tender Crush, Zaro’s Family Bakery, Alidoro, Dos Toros Taqueria, Neir’s Tavern and Golden Krust further strengthen its New York identity. Travelers will also find global favorites including Pret a Manger, Shake Shack, Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Jimmy John’s.
Alongside the food hall, passengers experience a completely reimagined Duty Free environment created by Avolta’s Dufry team. New retail destinations include W. 12th St. Market, Beauty on 5th, The Park @ T8, BKLYN Shopping, and an expanded collection of luxury boutiques featuring Longchamp, Marc Jacobs, Lacoste, BOSS, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Montblanc, premium designer sunglasses through Avolta’s Suncatcher concept plus Pre Loved Luxury offering jewelry, watches, and upcycled high-end leather goods. The Connoisseur Collection introduces a curated selection of fine spirits, tobacco, and the terminal’s new hidden speakeasy, Blinded Tiger while Bubbles on 5th weaves together fragrances with Champagne and wine.
Retail offerings include I Love NY, Dear NYC, iPorte, five Hudson stores, MAC and M&Ms. The new LEGO store features an extensive selection of LEGO sets and exclusive airport products, along with demonstration tables for hands-on play. Natchie and alchemy., operated by small, local, women- and minority-owned entrepreneurs, opened as part of the small business accelerator program which now includes THE COLLECTIVE, a curated retail concept bringing together independent New York brands. Passengers can also enjoy upgraded amenities through Gameway’s immersive video lounge, the private workspace suites of Minute Suites and three local, woman-owned Currency Exchange locations.
“We’re proud to be part of the Terminal 8 program and to help shape an experience that truly reflects the energy of New York and the expectations of today’s traveler,” said MERA USA President Rafael Aguirre. “At MERA, we focus on delivering a seamless passenger journey—where quality, speed, and thoughtful design come together to make travel more enjoyable. This milestone is not just about opening doors, but about elevating the overall airport experience for the millions of passengers who pass through Terminal 8 each year.”
“Being part of the commercial redevelopment of Terminal 8 is a significant opportunity to help shape the next era of the JFK passenger experience,” said North America, Avolta President & CEO, Steve Johnson. “This project reflects a bold vision for modern travel, and we’re proud to contribute through a retail and dining program that elevates local businesses, showcases New York’s culture, and delivers world‑class hospitality. Working alongside the Port Authority, American Airlines, ASUR Airports, and our local partners, we’re committed to creating a terminal that brings lasting value and pride to the community it serves.”
“JFK Terminal 8 is setting a revolutionary precedent by anchoring the future of global travel in building a local economic legacy for all,” said Historic Neir’s Tavern CEO Loycent Gordon. “For a business like Neir’s Tavern, which has served Queens since 1829, this partnership is more than an expansion. Our partnership is proof of concept and we’re leading the way for how infrastructure projects can intentionally uplift small businesses and families for a thriving and inclusive economy.”
“Being part of Terminal 8 is a powerful milestone for BKLYN BLEND,” said BKLYN BLEND Founding Member Keishon Warren. “We began as a community-driven concept in Brooklyn and have evolved into a platform that promotes health, culture, and economic opportunity. We are grateful to partner with MERA to bring BKLYN BLEND to JFK, allowing us to share our mission of serving nutrition with kindness on a global stage while continuing to invest in the communities that built us.”
