1920s-inspired cocktail bar brings classic and contemporary drinks, elevated bites, & Art Deco style
(United States, 03/02/2025): SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, recently partnered with JFKIAT – the operator of Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport – to celebrate the opening of Gotham Speakeasy. Inspired by New York City’s legendary Prohibition-era bars, Gotham Speakeasy invites travelers to step into a refined, 1920s-style hideaway where craft cocktails, elevated bar bites, and timeless design converge.
Drawing from the rich history of New York speakeasies—from hidden basement rooms to glamorous nightspots frequented by artists, celebrities, and tastemakers—Gotham Speakeasy blends Art Deco elegance with the energy and edge that define the city. The concept pays tribute to the ‘golden age of the cocktail,’ celebrating both classic technique and modern creativity through a thoughtfully curated beverage and food menu.
Gotham Speakeasy’s cocktail program highlights New York–inspired creations and classic drinks alongside modern riffs on pre-Prohibition Era favorites. Signature drinks include the Flatiron’s Bloody Fix, Southside of Tequila, Thyme to the Staten Island Ferry, Big Apple Mule, and gin-forward standouts such as Oculus Glint and Hell’s Kitchen Hive. Guests will also find zero-proof cocktails crafted with the same attention to balance and flavor, as well as a robust selection of beer and wine.
The food menu features elevated bar bites designed for sharing and lingering between flights. Offerings include Shrimp Cocktail, Marinated Olives, Ham & Cheese Toastie, Burrata with roasted tomatoes, Chicken Caesar Salad, a breakfast lineup, and more.
“With the opening of Gotham Speakeasy and our continued partnership with SSP, we continue to deepen T4’s connection to New York City’s spirit and story,” said Roel Huinink, Chief Executive Officer of JFKIAT. “We are excited for our passengers to experience a culinary and design-driven concept that captures the rich history, energy, and character of the city we call home.”
SSP America’s Chief Executive Officer George Mboya added, “Gotham Speakeasy captures the essence of New York’s cocktail culture: bold, creative, and deeply rooted in history. Not only does Gotham deliver a true taste of place, it also delivers a taste of a specific time. Travelers passing through JFK T4 now have the opportunity for a layover in the golden age of the cocktail with a menu that invites guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy a moment of classic style.”
Gotham Speakeasy is one of the latest food & beverage concepts to open as part of JFKIAT’s transformation of JFK T4. As the operator of one of the most active air terminals across New York, JFKIAT recently established its T4 North Star initiative with its business and airline partners. The program aims to further elevate the human experience at T4, including redefining its commercial offerings, and operates with five key pillars at play: employee experience, airline experience, commercial experience, passenger experience, and terminal ambiance. The many components of this strategic initiative will evolve every aspect of T4 to stand as a truly world-class air terminal with an enhanced hospitality culture, achieving the Port Authority’s larger vision for JFK Airport.
This opening is only possible because of creativity and collaboration behind the scenes. Thanks to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFKIAT, joint venture partners S. Levy Foods and S&C Robinson, and the dedicated SSP America teams who brought this concept to life, travelers can now slip into another era—no secret knock required.
