Popular Upper West Side Restaurant Joins the Airport, Serving Southern Fare with a Manhattan Twist
(United States, 18 November 2025): SSP America, a division of SSP Group and a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, is delighted to announce the opening of Jacob’s Pickles at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 5 (T5). The opening is part of a significant refresh of the terminal.
The debut marks the first airport location for the acclaimed New York City restaurant, known for its inventive Southern comfort food and warm neighborhood spirit. The opening was celebrated by Jacob’s Pickles Founder Jacob Hadjigeorgis and representatives from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA, and SSP America.
Born from Manhattan’s dynamic melting pot, Jacob’s Pickles tells the story of New York itself. Hadjigeorgis built his career on pairing hospitality with culinary creativity. Drawing from his travels and a lifelong immersion in the restaurant world, he opened Jacob’s Pickles on the Upper West Side in 2011, transforming simple, soulful Southern dishes into a quintessential New York experience.
Hadjigeorgis commented, “Opening Jacob’s Pickles at JFK represents an important step in sharing our New York story with a broader audience. What began as a neighborhood restaurant on the Upper West Side has grown into a brand built on community, creativity, and hospitality. We’ve always believed great food and genuine service can make people feel connected—whether they’re locals or travelers passing through. Partnering with SSP America, Fraport USA, JFK Terminal 5, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey allows us to bring that same energy and sense of place to one of the city’s most dynamic gateways.”
Now, travelers at JFK’s T5 can savor the same bold, comforting flavors that made the restaurant a city favorite. Serving all day, the menu features signature offerings like the Pickle Flight, Southern Fried Chicken & Biscuits, and Jacob’s Breakfast Plate, all made with the same commitment to quality and creativity that defines the original location. Whether grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, passengers will find a dining experience that feels unmistakably New York. By blending local flavor, inventive comfort food, and thoughtful design, Jacob’s Pickles transforms a quick airport meal into a true taste of place, giving travelers a reason to linger and connect with the city before takeoff.
The opening represents true collaboration between the teams at SSP America, Fraport USA, JFK T5, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Jacob’s Pickles. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the passenger experience by introducing distinctive, chef-driven restaurants that celebrate local culture while delivering the efficiency and hospitality that travelers expect at JFK. Joint venture partners Byrd Retail Group, Kellee Communications Group Inc., and Queens-based M&R Concessions worked with SSP America to bring Jacob’s Pickles to T5.
SSP America’s Chief Development Officer Paul Loupakos said, “Jacob’s Pickles captures everything we love about New York: its sense of community, its creativity, and its comfort. At SSP America, we’re proud to partner with Jacob, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Fraport USA to bring a taste of place to travelers.”
Fraport USA’s Vice President, New York Jose Cuevas added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Jacob’s Pickles to JFK Terminal 5—a fantastic addition that brings the spirit of New York dining to life. With its unique blend of Southern comfort and classic New York staples, it offers customers an unforgettable culinary experience. As part of the T5 Refresh initiative, Jacob’s Pickles reflects the high-quality, diverse offerings we’re proud to bring to our customers—true taste of the many palettes that define New York, right here at JFK T5.”
“We’re excited to welcome Jacob’s Pickles to Terminal 5 as part of the ongoing effort to elevate the dining experience and reimagine what travel through JFK can be,” said Teresa Rizzuto, general manager of JFK at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “As we advance the airport’s historic redevelopment, each new addition helps us deliver a more modern, customer-focused experience for the millions of travelers who pass through every year. We’re proud that Jacob’s Pickles selected JFK for their first airport location—bringing an authentic taste of New York to our guests and reflecting both the spirit of this region and the vision for our world-class airport.”
About Fraport USA and the JFK Terminal 5 Refresh:
Fraport USA is a leading developer and operator of retail, dining, and service programs at major airports across the United States. At JFK, Fraport serves as the concessions developer/manager for Terminal 5, partnering with JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to deliver a best-in-class commercial experience. As part of the T5 Refresh program, more than 40 new concessions will be introduced, including over 18 local food & beverage and retail concepts, and a redesigned central concourse will bring a New York parks-inspired ambiance with greenery, park benches, concrete chess tables, and warm lighting, and a local art initiative. The project aligns with the Port Authority’s broader $19 billion redevelopment of JFK. Fraport USA’s work at T5 not only elevates the culinary and shopping environment, but also reinforces job creation, community-business partnerships, and economic growth in the region.
