Newark Airport Will See Huge Lineup Of New Restaurants, Businesses

NEWARK, NJ — A big, bold, $2.7 billion new terminal is expected to open at Newark Liberty International Airport later this year. And when it does, there will be a “world-class roster” of household-name restaurants in the wings – including several New Jersey favorites, officials say.

Earlier this week, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the names of some of the businesses that will occupy the renovated Terminal A when it opens. They include Starbucks, Shake Shack, Bluestone Lane and Hugo Boss – all of whom have signed agreements to operate in the one million-square-foot terminal.

The lineup also includes several notable New Jersey-based brands, such as Jersey Mike’s, Smokehouse BBQ, Office Tavern & Grill, New Jersey Monthly, Playa Bowls and W.B. Law Coffee.

The Port Authority also has invested $3 million to build out retail space within the new Terminal A to accommodate the inclusion of local businesses from the cities of Elizabeth and Newark. Located in the terminal’s main hall, these locally owned and operated stores – The Black Home, Tonnie's Minis, Artist Pop Shop, GWER Gelato, and Bold Newark Black Owned Local Designs – will offer souvenirs, artwork, baked goods and other treats for weary travelers.

The retail and food/beverage offerings will be “tailored to the needs and requirements of domestic passengers,” Port Authority officials said.

Munich Airport NJ LLC, a subsidiary of Munich Airport in Germany and manager of the current EWR Terminal A, will be responsible for airport operations, maintenance, and concession management services at the new Terminal A.

• See related article: Port Authority Awards Crucial Contract For Newark Airport

Gov. Phil Murphy and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka supported the decision to include Garden State, Elizabeth and Newark businesses at the new terminal.

“The Port Authority’s investment in the inclusion of locally owned and operated stores reflects the importance of New Jersey’s small businesses, which act as the backbone of our local economies,” Murphy said.

“Overall, Terminal A will solidify our position as a hub for domestic and international travel, while providing a tremendous boost to our already burgeoning economy,” the governor added.

“We are excited about the new Terminal A and the career opportunities and experiences it will offer to our residents and visitors,” Baraka agreed. “The inclusion of local small businesses in the terminal is vital and it is progress that we can all be proud of.”

GOODBYE TO TERMINAL A

When it’s completed, the new terminal will replace the existing Terminal A, which has “outlived its useful time,” officials said.

The new terminal has a design capacity for nearly 14 million passengers annually. It has 33 common-use gates, and will be connected to a consolidated rent-a-car facility (ConRAC) at the south end of the airport.

To accommodate future passenger growth at Newark Liberty, the Port Authority has also embarked on other major transformational capital projects, such as the construction of a $2.05 billion new AirTrain Newark system.

In all, the new terminal is expected to generate more than $4.6 billion in regional economic activity, create more than 23,000 jobs and provide more than $1.9 billion in wages, Port Authority officials said.

• See related article: Hiring Ramps Up At Newark Airport Ahead Of $2.7B Project
• See related article: New At Newark Airport: Swanky United Passenger Club, Hampton Inn
• See related article: Port Authority Expects Full Recovery From COVID By 2024: Audit

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.