Hudson Wins Seven-year Contract to Open New Travel Convenience Store and Gameway Lounge in Terminal 5 of John F. Kennedy International Airport
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (May 5, 2025) – Hudson, part of global travel retail and food & beverage player Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL), today announced it will open a New York City-inspired retail store and a fully immersive video gaming lounge under a new seven-year contract awarded by Fraport USA, the concessions developer and manager selected by JetBlue for its award-winning flagship terminal.
Hudson will open the new shopping and entertainment options across more than 1,360 ft2 of concessions space, offering JetBlue customers more ways to pass the time, recharge, or relax. The new duty-paid contract is Hudson’s third awarded in recent months at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is one of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s three major airports in the New York-New Jersey area.
“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fraport USA, and JetBlue have created a modern terminal with an exciting, diverse selection of concessions that encourages travelers to arrive early to experience it, and we are very proud to grow our partnership as Terminal 5 evolves,” said Steve Johnson, President & CEO, North America, Avolta. “2025 will be a strong year for Hudson as we expand our retail operations in several terminals at JFK, one of the busiest airports in North America.”
“JetBlue and Fraport USA’s commitment to delivering world-class amenities and concessions to our customers aligns with the Port Authority’s goal of transforming JFK into one of the world’s great global gateways,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Creating a uniquely New York sense of place at JFK through the additions of iconic local businesses, art and design will make this terminal a memorable part of the passenger journey through our region.”
“JetBlue customers traveling through Terminal 5 will soon enjoy authentic products and dining experiences that represent the best of what our region has to offer,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These improvements by JetBlue and Fraport USA embrace our vision of a world-class passenger experience that will serve as the front door of this region to the rest of the world.”
In Terminal 5, Hudson will open Park Ave Emporium by Hudson, which draws inspiration from the illustrious Park Avenue in Manhattan. This unique retail concept will be tailored exclusively for T5 travelers and designed to be a powerhouse of convenience, with a comprehensive selection of travel essentials and necessities, and self-checkout for a seamless experience, especially during peak demand. Park Ave Emporium by Hudson will also offer a curated selection of products from local artisans, including souvenirs, gifts, and snacks.
Hudson also will open a first for T5: Gameway, an award-winning video gaming lounge. Gameway has revolutionized airport downtime by offering the world's first premium video gaming lounge, with seven current locations in U.S. airports, and seven more coming before the end of 2025. Equipped with Xbox, PlayStation, and PC gaming stations, as well as nostalgic NES gaming options, Gameway ensures that customers of all ages can immerse themselves in cutting-edge gaming entertainment while awaiting their flights. Complete with a selection of packaged snacks, beverages, and bottled alcohol (21+), Gameway at JFK T5 is poised to transform the travel journey into a fun and memorable experience for all.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Hudson. These innovative concepts are a perfect fit for our vision of delivering world-class retail and entertainment experiences. Gameway’s entertainment solutions and Park Ave Emporium’s travel essentials will elevate the customer journey and reflect the vibrant energy of Terminal 5,” said Jose Cuevas, Vice President of Operations for JFK T5, Fraport USA.
Hudson will operate Park Ave Emporium by Hudson with three Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners: Kellee Communications Group, Inc.; New York-based Sullivan-Hernandez Group, Inc.; and Queens-based The Nourish Spot, Inc. Gameway in Terminal 5 will be a 100% ACDBE-operated sublease with Emma Wallbridge, Co-founder of Gameway.
Hudson currently operates numerous travel convenience, specialty retail, and duty-free stores across Terminal 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Its Terminal 6 retail stores will begin to open in late 2025.