SHAKE SHACK LANDS AT JETBLUE’S JFK TERMINAL 5

SSP America brings the New York-born icon to T5’s Center Node, adding another unmistakably local flavor to JetBlue’s flagship terminal.

(United States, Sept 25, 2026): SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, today celebrated the recent opening of Shake Shack at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 5 (T5). Located in the Center Node, the new Shack brings one of New York City’s most recognizable restaurant brands to the heart of JetBlue’s flagship terminal.

Born from a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park and established as a permanent Shack in 2004, Shake Shack has grown from a hometown favorite into a global hospitality brand with more than 705 locations system-wide. Its New York roots remain central to the story. The new T5 restaurant gives JetBlue customers and airport employees a genuine taste of the city from a brand that began just miles from the runway.

Travelers can enjoy Shake Shack favorites including made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, crinkle-cut fries, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, and more. Designed for the pace of the airport while preserving the quality and warm hospitality that define the brand, the restaurant offers a familiar, high-quality option for guests traveling through T5.

The opening is part of the $100 million T5 Refresh, a collaboration among JetBlue, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Fraport USA. Once complete, the program will introduce more than 40 new concessions and customer experiences, including shops, restaurants, communal spaces, and art installations inspired by New York City and its boroughs. Shake Shack’s arrival in the Center Node adds another iconic hometown brand to a growing collection designed to create a distinct sense of place and make every journey through T5 feel unmistakably New York.

“Shake Shack is New York to its core and bringing it to the heart of JetBlue’s Terminal 5 is exactly what a taste of place should look like,” said George Mboya, CEO, SSP America. “From Madison Square Park to JFK, Shake Shack has become a global success story without losing the quality, hospitality, and sense of community that made New Yorkers fall in love with it. We’re proud to partner with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JetBlue, Fraport USA, and Shake Shack to deliver an experience that feels unmistakably New York and helps make Terminal 5 the best part of the journey.”

“Shake Shack has been one of the most requested concessions for Terminal 5, and we’re thrilled to bring this iconic New York brand to T5,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president, marketing and brand at JetBlue. “We’re filling the terminal with more of the places that make New York, New York, and it’s hard to imagine a better addition than a hometown favorite that also got its start right here in the city. Now, a great Shake Shack burger can officially be part of the JetBlue travel experience.”

“Fraport New York is proud to welcome Shake Shack to Terminal 5 as we continue the transformation of the T5 concessions program. This exciting addition brings our customers another iconic New York brand while expanding the variety and quality of the dining experience. We are grateful to SSP America for their partnership and continued investment in T5.” Jose Cuevas, Vice President, Fraport New York

“We’re excited to bring Shake Shack to Terminal 5 and join a thoughtfully curated lineup of brands that has helped define the experience for millions of JetBlue travelers,” said Julie Zisfein, Vice President of Global Licensing at Shake Shack. “We’ve been incredibly encouraged by the enthusiasm for Shake Shack’s presence in the terminal, and we’re proud to meet guests where they are by becoming part of the experience they know and love at T5.”

SSP America JFK T5, LLC operates the restaurant through a licensed partnership with Shake Shack. The opening reflects the shared commitment of SSP America, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JetBlue, Fraport USA, and Shake Shack to deliver distinctive dining experiences that combine local identity, operational excellence, and heartfelt hospitality.

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Further information:

Lana Cramer
Vice President, Corporate Marketing & Communications
240.882.0754
Lana.Cramer@foodtravelexperts.com

About SSP America

SSP America is a division of SSP Group plc (LSE:SSPG), a global leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations employing 49,000 colleagues in around 3,000 units across 38 countries. We specialize in designing, creating, and operating a diverse range of food and drink outlets in airports, train stations, and other travel hubs across six formats: sit-down and quick service restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, and food-led convenience stores. Our extensive portfolio of brands features a mix of international, national, and local brands, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients and customers.

Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and our focus is on making every journey taste better – bringing great food and welcoming hospitality to travelers across the globe. Sustainability is crucial for our long-term success, and we aim to deliver a positive impact for our business while uniting stakeholders to promote a sustainable food travel sector.

About the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the agency’s network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country – transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agency’s historic $45 billion capital plan for 2026-2035 advances a new generation of projects that will modernize, strengthen, and expand the agency’s infrastructure around the region, including: a new Midtown Bus Terminal, transformations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and a new era for PATH, with major service increases. The Port Authority’s annual budget of $10 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the city of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit the Port Authority’s press room.

About Fraport USA

Fraport USA develops and manages award-winning airport concessions programs at some of the most innovative and high-performing airports in North America. Through applied analytics, emerging technologies and keen market insights, Fraport USA creates unique, locally focused environments that provide customers with exceptional travel experiences. Backed by global parent Fraport AG, Fraport USA delivers worldclass aviation expertise in airports including, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Terminal 5 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Nashville International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal B, Ronald Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. For more information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Fraport AG is active at some 30 airports on four continents around the globe. For more information, visit fraport.com

About Shake Shack

Shake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It’s known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crinkle cut fries, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, and more. With its high-quality food at a great value, warm hospitality, and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack quickly became a cult-brand with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s purpose is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and team member development to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 705 locations system-wide, including approximately 455 in 35 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 250 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.  

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