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, Thursday 24th September 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, 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.
