Check Out Newark Airport’s 2.7 Billion Dollar Terminal A Filled With Local Flavor

It has been two weeks since Newark Airport unveiled its brand new 2.7 billion facility. This remarkable new addition opened 21 gates during its first phase, servicing Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue, and United. It is 1-million square feet in size, replacing the original terminal built in 1973. Despite some early issues with delays and power outages, the new terminal has much to offer in decor, restaurants and shops. Delays are never fun, but this updated space might make things a bit easier to manage.

New Artwork

Terminal A will showcase the work of 29 local artists with unique art installations. Eight of whom are from Newark and neighboring Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Public Art Fund partnered with Munich Airport NJ and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to realize both rotating and permanent installations in the arrival and departing halls. Ecuadorian painter Layqa Nuna Yawar’s 350-foot mural called Between the Future Past, greets travelers upon entry. Additionally, Trinidadian Artist, Karyn Olivier’s Approach features stacks of 17 floating and parallel metal rings including photographs of New Jersey’s most recognizable sites. The twin 50 foot suspended sculptures provide a stunning addition to the airport. Other artists from around the state can find their artwork adorned throughout the entire terminal.

Local and Black-Owned Businesses

60 different restaurants and retail shops are up and running. National staples such Shake Shack and Starbucks will be featured, but Terminal A will also include local Jersey stores and Black-owned businesses.

The Black Home finds its second home in Terminal A. Curated by celebrity interior designer, Neffi Walker, the store describes itself as encompassing luxury through home decor and interior design by highlighting beauty in black from color to culture. A staple in the city of Newark, now has an airport location featuring an array of candles to choose from with diverse fragrances for your home. The Artist PopShop is another new location offering unique pieces made by local NJ artists, designers and brands. Hats, hoodies, keychains and other one of a kind apparel are now available.

Jersey & Co. is a Black-owned store selling a variety of handcrafted gelato in small batches. They also satisfy your sweet tooth with milkshakes and their own twist on bubble tea. Keeping in theme with the desserts, Newark’s own Tonnie’s Minis will be serving Terminal A variations of the homemade pastries they’ve been providing for 30 years. From red velvet cupcakes to bite sized cookies, they have the perfect snacks to nibble on before the flying.

Carlito’s Barbecue Taqueria combines the world of barbecue and tacos. This popular local eatery has a restaurant in the mall, booths at multiple food festivals and a traveling food truck. Now they have a spot in Terminal A. Their simple yet savory menu offers hand pressed Nixtamal tortillas and smoked meats for a quick bite before a flight. Also, have yourself a margarita on tap, to calm those nerves or pass the time if you happen to run into some delays.

If you are in Newark Airport for these potential rain delays or heavy wind gusts, Terminal A might be the perfect airport destination for you.

Jeff Dess is an editor for DETOUR, an award-winning educator, best-selling author and notable public speaker who specializes in the areas of Learning and Development and culturally responsive education. As a public speaker and facilitator Jeff has reached over 100,000 learners. Jeff is an author of six books. We Wear Kicks to Works is an Amazon best-seller, which further explores the intersection of pop culture, leadership, and education.

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