JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT) has launched a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for ten food and beverage units at its John F Kennedy Terminal 4 operation. 

The RFP is the first in a two-step competitive solicitation process that will see around 16,000sq ft of F&B space developed and managed. 

JFKIAT said it is looking for a partner to “deliver a fresh, local take on the taste of New York”. 

The new outlets will join a 100-strong line-up of retail, F&B and service concepts in the terminal which offer a “distinctive” sense of place.

Those shortlisted from the first round will invited to submit proposals that demonstrate the “vision, innovation and capability” to deliver an “evolutionary” F&B experience. 

The targeted contract award date is the first quarter of 2024.

The details

Respondents must have at least 10 years of experience owning and managing F&B concepts in an airport space. JFKIAT is expecting to see at least US$25 million in sales for each of those years. 

Sustainability and social responsibility is central to the RFP, JFKIAT said. 

JFK T4 has become the first existing terminal in the US to receive the LEED Platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The airport has also implemented an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“ACDBE”) programme.

Interested parties should see the JFKIAT website for more information. The deadline for stage one submissions is 8 December 2023. 

Last month, JFKIAT named Belinda Jain as its new Vice President of Customer Experience & Commercial.

Jain brings with her more than 20 years of experience in developing and operating premium and luxury brands in an airport setting.

She will be responsible for generating and managing the business’s non-aviation revenues. These span retail, food and beverage, and passenger service concepts.

Back in May, DFS Group opened a new beauty concept store at JFK Terminal 4, described as a “one-stop beauty destination”.

For more information on the RFQ, click here.