Airport Restaurant Build-outs

Holt Construction worked as the Construction Manager to deliver two new restaurant build-outs within Terminal 5 of JFK International Airport.

The project transformed a previously occupied concession area consisting of three existing tenant spaces into two modern, high-volume food service environments designed to meet the operational and branding standards of each tenant. The project began with the comprehensive demolition of the existing concession spaces, including the removal of walls, back-of-house facilities, flooring, and existing building systems. The redevelopment included the installation of new plumbing, electrical infrastructure, and mechanical systems, including three rooftop HVAC units, a dedicated makeup air unit, and an exhaust system to support the shared commercial kitchen.

Constructed simultaneously, both restaurant spaces were designed around a common kitchen, requiring detailed coordination of shared equipment, and construction sequencing to maintain schedule and ensure seamless integration between the two tenants. Throughout construction, Holt worked closely with airport operations and facility management to address unforeseen existing underground conduits encountered during floor demolition that supplied power to critical airport infrastructure. Through proactive coordination and careful planning, these conditions were successfully managed without disrupting terminal operations.

To achieve the distinct brand identities of each restaurant, the project incorporated extensive architectural finishes, including custom floor and wall tile installations that met Shake Shack’s national design standards, high-end millwork, illuminated signage, neon branding elements, and large-format feature wall murals. The completed spaces provide travelers with two vibrant dining destinations while demonstrating Holt Construction’s ability to execute complex concession projects within an active airport environment under demanding operational constraints.