# JFK Terminal 5 renovation and concession expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jfk-terminal-5-renovation-and-concession-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-04T12:55:38.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

A US$100 million renovation program at New York’s JFK International Airport Terminal 5, known as the ‘T5 Refresh,’ is underway to upgrade dining, retail, and passenger experiences. Managed by JetBlue, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Fraport USA, the initiative aims to introduce over 40 new concessions and retail outlets.

Initial developments include the opening of new Shake Shack and Dunkin’ locations. While the expansion seeks to establish a local New York dining identity, some travelers have reported an ‘EMP BEN’ line item on receipts. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey stated that concessionaires are permitted to apply an ‘Employee Benefits and Retention Surcharge’ of up to 3% to help offset rising labor and benefit costs.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Shake Shack opens at JFK Terminal 5 amid $100 million refresh

Shake Shack has opened at JFK’s Terminal 5 as part of a $100 million terminal refresh, though customers have noted a specific employee benefits surcharge allowed by the Port Authority.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shake-shack-opens-at-jfk-terminal-5-amid-100-million-refresh

### 2026-09-25: JFK Terminal 5 adds Shake Shack and Dunkin’ amid US$100m revamp

SSP America has launched Shake Shack and Dunkin’ locations in JFK Airport’s Terminal 5 as part of a US$100 million renovation of the JetBlue hub.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jfk-terminal-5-adds-shake-shack-and-dunkin-amid-us100m-revamp

---
Cite as: JFK Terminal 5 renovation and concession expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jfk-terminal-5-renovation-and-concession-expansion