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We are exploring a new food service at JFK airport. Would also like any available information on how to rent kiosks or stores at Terminal 5 (Jet Blue).
Unfortunately, there is little publicly available information around the specific costs of renting kiosks at JFK. However, comparison of airports of similar size (Denver International and San Francisco International airports) has allowed us to estimate a starting monthly rent of around $5,000. This amount is partially due to small business incentive programs these airports offer, along with JFK. We were also able to find examples of independent businesses located in Terminal #5. Below you will find a deep dive of our findings.
GENERAL RESEARCH
Operating a kiosk business at airports can be lucrative due to the volume of foot traffic that is readily available; however there can be challenges due to the 24/7 hours of operation, increased security screening of employees, strict requirements required by the airport, and steep monthly rental fees. Large airports such as the Denver International Airport, and San Francisco International airports appear to charge $5,000 per month to rent a kiosk.
RENTING KIOSKS AT AIRPORTS
Because of the high monthly costs associated with renting kiosks, airports may offer a small business incentive program to attract new businesses. “The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has a partnership with a management company to bring small businesses into the airport’s Terminal B.” The Denver International Airport similarly offers a program to help women and minorities get their small businesses into the airport. The San Francisco Airport also offers incentives for new airport businesses. Potential kiosk renters at JFK must first submit an application through the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH FOOD SERVICE KIOSKS
Food carts and kiosks come in a variety of sizes depending on the need of the customer and can even include sinks and plumbing. The costs associated also depend on the size of the kiosk as well as the customization involved. These costs range anywhere from $3,999 for a basic coffee kiosk all the way to $10,000 and upwards for larger and more custom designs. At the Denver International Airport, lease rates for kiosks range from $5,100 for a 4 by 8 ½ feet kiosk to $11,000 for larger units.
INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES IN JFK TERMINAL #5
There are 84 small businesses that currently operate in JFK’s Terminal #5, which consists of 39 food service vendors and 45 Retailers. There are well-known food vendor brands such as Ben and Jerry’s, Dunkin' Donuts, and Cheeburger Cheeburger. However, there are also independent vendors who have set up shop there. These vendors include Away Café and Baked by Melissa. It does not appear that JFK Terminal #5 excludes independent food service vendors from its list of eateries.
CONCLUSION
Both the Denver International and San Francisco International airports charge a starting rate of $5,000 for kiosk rentals, and all three airports offer similar small business incentive programs. Food service carts and kiosks typically range from $3,999 to over $10,000 depending on size and the customization required. Inquiries for new vendors at JFK must first start with submitting a detailed application with New York and New Jersey Port Authority. Lastly, there are a variety of food service and retail vendors operating in Terminal #5 and several of those are independent small businesses.