50 CONCESSIONS September 2026 AirportImprovement.com JFK Meat Company, Black Tap Burger, Dos Toros Taqueria, and Zaros Family Bakery. Just beyond the TSA checkpoint, passenger traffic moves naturally into the commercial core, which was expanded from 7,000 square feet to 16,000 and serves as a vibrant hub for travelers. The Boroughs Food Hall is operated by a joint venture of MERA US and three small businesses: New York City-based Tsion Enterprises, Food Cycle LLC from Texas and South River Partners of Massachusetts. Together, they offer a mix of local specialties, street food, upscale dining, health-conscious options and comfort food. A fully redesigned duty-free environment operated by Avolta’s Dufry includes a collection of luxury boutiques modeled after neighborhood shopping and open-air markets in New York City. “This program has done a really good job of injecting New York’s identity into the terminal, rather than just [presenting] another generic airport experience,” Carter remarks. The addition of upgraded amenities provides passengers with new ways to relax, work or be entertained during their travels. Minute Suites offers passengers without premium lounge access an opportunity to disconnect and relax or work in a private space. Gameway’s immersive video lounge is a hit with all ages of gaming enthusiasts. Each tenant space was developed by the operator working hand-in-hand with ASUR and its design and technical teams to ensure consistency with established design guidelines. Design criteria established by ASUR ensure a cohesive look and feel throughout the terminal, even as individual concessionaires incorporate their own brand identity, says Joshua Mandel, the company’s vice president of Development. In addition to overhauling commercial offerings, the project redesigned passenger flow and overall aesthetics. “Passengers really expect the terminal to be part of the experience, not just a waiting room,” Carter notes. The use of warmer materials, improved lighting and organic design elements helped transform the terminal from a cold, institutional space to a more welcoming and human-centered environment, Mandel explains. “We wanted to destress the experience,” he says. “It’s much more comfortable, warm, human, inviting. You definitely feel it.” PROGRAMS WITH PURPOSE. FUTURES WITH PROMISE. ENGINEERING | TECHNOLOGY | MANAGEMENT | AVIATION RISE ABOVE *See vaughn.edu for details on the guarantee and outcomes data. Are you ready to rise above? Our industry-driven programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation don’t just prepare you for a career—they help you secure one. With 97% of graduates becoming employed or continuing their education within one year (77% landing jobs in their fields), this is where your future begins. And that’s a guarantee.* To learn more about the programs we offer, visit vaughn.edu. JOSHUA MANDEL
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