Avolta is enhancing the traveler experience with new additions at JFK Terminal 5, including the debut of Gameway and Eataly, two of the most exciting concepts to hit the terminal in years. Through its subsidiaries Hudson and HMSHost, Avolta has secured two major contracts to transform dining, shopping, and entertainment options at New York’s busiest airport hub.
Revamping JFK Terminal 5’s Food Scene
Under a new 10-year agreement awarded by Fraport USA, HMSHost will introduce six new restaurants to Terminal 5. These venues, scheduled to begin opening in 2025, will reflect the diversity and creativity of New York’s culinary culture. Among the standout names is Eataly, the beloved Italian marketplace that offers antipasti, fresh pasta, pizza, and wines in a casual yet refined setting.
Joining Eataly will be several other unique food concepts:
- Benateri’s – A New York-style deli serving Italian sandwiches.
- Big Bourbon Bar NYC – A whiskey bar showcasing locally crafted Hudson Whiskey NY.
- Dos Toros Taqueria – Popular for its bold Mexican flavors and burritos.
- Chopt – Known for premium salads and house-made dressings.
- A locally inspired bar and restaurant exclusive to Terminal 5.
These venues will collectively span over 725 square meters and bring a distinctly New York flair to JetBlue’s award-winning terminal. The project also reinforces Avolta’s mission to combine local authenticity with global travel convenience.
Park Avenue Vibes and Video Games
Hudson, another Avolta subsidiary, is set to open Park Ave Emporium by Hudson, a new retail experience inspired by Manhattan’s Park Avenue. Designed with convenience in mind, it will offer self-checkout kiosks and a curated selection of locally sourced souvenirs, gifts, travel essentials, and snacks.
But the true game-changer is Gameway—JFK Terminal 5’s first immersive premium video gaming lounge. The lounge will be a sanctuary for travelers looking to relax and entertain themselves before a flight. Equipped with high-end PC and console gaming stations, retro arcade options, and refreshments, Gameway promises a fresh kind of pre-boarding experience for passengers.
This combination of retail and gaming experiences is part of a seven-year contract designed to elevate the terminal’s appeal to modern travelers. Whether someone is passing through for business or leisure, these additions make waiting at the gate a lot more fun.
Avolta’s Growing JFK Presence
This new initiative at Terminal 5 builds on Avolta’s recent momentum at JFK. The company has already secured contracts for nine dining venues in Terminal 4 and various concessions in Terminal 8. With current operations in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8, and upcoming expansions planned for Terminal 6 in late 2025, Avolta’s influence at the airport is steadily growing.
Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta, stated, “Our vision for JFK Terminal 5 is bold. New York’s world-class culinary scene deserves to be reflected in its airport dining.” He also noted that 2025 will be a landmark year for Hudson and HMSHost as they expand retail and F&B operations at one of North America’s busiest airports.
Delivering the Future of Airport Travel
With a strategic focus on innovation and cultural relevance, Avolta’s expansion plan reflects a shift in how airports approach passenger needs. Today’s traveler expects more than just basic amenities—they want variety, efficiency, and entertainment that matches what they experience in their favorite cities. By bringing brands like Gameway and Eataly to JFK Terminal 5, Avolta delivers just that.
As more terminals evolve to meet modern expectations, JFK Terminal 5 is setting a new benchmark in how retail, dining, and entertainment can merge to create a destination within a destination. For JetBlue passengers, that means more flavorful meals, more meaningful shopping, and more memorable downtime—all before takeoff.
