By Rich Bockmann
It’s the dawn of a new age in air travel or at least in airport cuisine anyway.
The Shake Shack at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4 has earned the distinction as the best spot to grab a quick bite before catching a ride, beating out eateries at more than 140 airports and 250 rail stations across the globe.
“We’re thrilled to bring the experience of Shake Shack to JFK!” Chief Executive Officer Randy Garutti said upon his eatery being named the Best Fast Food/Quick Service Restaurant by The Moodie Report, a business publication. “Together with SSP America, we’re working to change the paradigm on what travelers should expect from airport dining. We hope our commitment to high-quality ingredients and sincere hospitality will make the Shack the place busy travelers will choose to gather for years to come.”
A panel of industry experts chose the restaurant — famous worldwide for its all-natural burgers, flat-top dogs and frozen custard — at the 2013 annual Airport Food & Beverage Awards in Dubai, an event organized by The Moodie Report to showcase travel-related food and beverage worldwide.
“The Moodie Report’s top recognition of Shake Shack at Terminal 4 represents further evidence of ongoing efforts to provide travelers with high-quality services at JFK International Airport,’’ said Pat Foye, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “Together with our airline, terminal and food industry partners, we are committed to bringing in first-rate restaurants and shops like Shake Shack that will help JFK continue to live up to its position as America’s premier gateway.”
The original Shake Shack opened at Madison Square Park in 2004 and now there are a number of spots in New York, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and Massachusetts in addition to international eateries throughout the Middle East, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
The Shack at JFK is the company’s first airport outlet in North America.
Alain Maca, president of JFKIAT, the private partner that operates Terminal 4 along with the Port Authority, called Shake Shack the “star” of the terminal’s new concourse, which opened earlier this year.
“This award confirms Shake Shack’s status as a top quick service restaurant, not just in New York but when compared to airport offerings around the world,” he said. “Congratulations to our partner SSP America and to Shake Shack for providing the high-quality dining experience passengers expect and deserve.”
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
