Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery has officially opened a new location at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), one of the busiest airports in the United States. This expansion comes with the partnership of franchisees Conroy and Samantha Champagne, as reported by NY Carib News. The grand opening is set for Friday, October 24,2025 at Terminal 8, Baggage Claim 7, with festivities running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 1 p.m., according to South Florida Caribbean News.
Jacqueline Hawthorne-Robinson, CEO of Golden Krust and daughter of the original founders Mavis and Ephraim Hawthorne, expressed her enthusiasm for this strategic move. “JFK is very diverse, with travelers from all over the world, so I think this will be one of our greatest stepping stones to introducing Golden Krust to new audiences,” she told The Gleaner. “We are embracing it and looking forward to flooding the airport with Jamaican music, art, and food. This is the next chapter for us.”
Travelers at JFK can expect a taste of Jamaica with staple menu items such as braised oxtail, jerk chicken, curried goat, Jamaican patties, and sides including fried sweet plantains, rice and peas, and steamed vegetables.
A Legacy of Community and Growth
Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery is a family-led business founded by Lowell Hawthorne, who credits his parents, Mavis and Ephraim, for the idea. The couple operated Hawthorne & Sons Bakery in St. Mary, Jamaica, for over 50 years, supported by their 11 children. Known for their community contributions, they provided meals for the hungry and supported educational initiatives.
In 1989, the Hawthorne siblings and their spouses moved to New York to establish Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery in The Bronx, pooling their savings and dreams to start anew. Lowell served as president and CEO until his passing in 2017.
Making History in the Culinary Landscape
Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery made history in 1996 by becoming the first Caribbean-owned franchiser in the United States. Over three decades later, the company has successfully launched more than 100 restaurants across the country, as highlighted in a recent press release.
The company has also upheld a commitment to generosity, donating over 20,000 meals and nearly 7 tons of food to various nonprofits as part of its 35 Deeds initiative, launched in 2024 to commemorate the business’s 35th anniversary.
Questions & Answers
Q: What is the location of the new Golden Krust restaurant?
A: The new Golden Krust restaurant is located at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 8, Baggage Claim 7.
Q: When is the grand opening event?
A: The grand opening will take place on Friday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m.
Q: What menu items can travelers expect?
A: Travelers can enjoy traditional Jamaican dishes such as braised oxtail, jerk chicken, curried goat, and Jamaican patties, along with sides like fried sweet plantains and rice and peas.
Q: Who founded Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery?
A: Golden Krust was founded by Lowell Hawthorne, inspired by his parents, Mavis and Ephraim, who ran a bakery in Jamaica for over 50 years.
Q: What philanthropic efforts has Golden Krust undertaken?
A: The company has donated over 20,000 meals and nearly 7 tons of food to nonprofits as part of its 35 Deeds initiative, which started in 2024.
