On Monday, June 1, 2026, airport officials, hospitality leaders, and local representatives gathered post-TSA security near Gate 25 at JFK International Airport Terminal 5 for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event marked the formal opening of three celebrated New York City culinary institutions: The Halal Guys, and Nom Wah Tea Parlor, and Melt Shop.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was preceded by a Lion Dance, performed by the Asian United Corp. Co. from New Hyde Park. This vibrant, traditional Chinese performance is often held during festive celebrations, cultural parades, and grand openings to bring good fortune and prosperity.’
“We are excited to welcome The Halal Guys, Melt Shop, and Nom Wah to JFK Terminal 5,” said Jose Cuevas, Vice President of Operations for Fraport New York. “These are iconic New York brands that each bring bold flavors and a strong sense of identity to the terminal.”
Managed by OTG in partnership with JetBlue and Fraport USA, these highly anticipated dining establishments bring authentic, neighborhood-rooted flavors directly to millions of travelers passing through JetBlue’s flagship terminal. The expansion aligns directly with the Port Authority of NY & NJ’s ongoing $19 billion overhaul of JFK Airport.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to transforming the passenger journey from transactional to memorable,” said Matt King, CEO of OTG. “Partnering with Melt Shop, The Halal Guys, and Nom Wah allows us to offer authentic flavors that represent the rich cultural diversity of New York City’s neighborhoods right here at the gate.”
The newly inaugurated spaces offer a variety of dining formats tailored to modern travelers:
- The Halal Guys: What began as a legendary food cart at 53rd Street and 6th Avenue in 1990 brings its world-famous chicken, gyro over rice, and iconic white sauce to global travelers. “We’re excited to bring The Halal Guys to JFK Terminal 5 alongside other great dining options,” said Ahmed Abouelen, CEO at The Halal Guys. ‘’What started as a NYC food cart in 1990 has become a global brand, but New York remains our home.’’
- Nom Wah: A specialized sit-down restaurant and bar echoing the vintage charm of Manhattan’s Chinatown. It features black-and-white tile floors, red leather banquettes, and historic artwork.
“Opening Nom Wah at JFK is an incredibly meaningful milestone for our family,” said Wilson Tang, CEO of Nom Wah. “As America’s oldest dim sum parlor, we have been part of New York’s history for over 100 years. We are proud to share our culinary heritage with international travelers as they embark on their journeys.”
- Melt Shop: A pioneer of the artisanal food movement, serving premium grilled cheese sandwiches, crispy chicken melts, burgers, comfort-food sides, and hand-spun milkshakes.
Passengers traveling through Terminal 5 can now experience all three new dining concepts starting today.
The openings represent the latest phase of an extensive Terminal 5 refreshment. The terminal will see over 40 new retail and dining concessions by the end of 2026 that reflect the spirit, flavors, and diversity of New York. Upcoming enhancements feature a center concourse redesign inspired by NYC’s iconic parks, incorporating lush greenery, concrete chess tables, and public spaces. The terminal will also feature a curated cultural art program showcasing over 30 works by local New York artists.
