Citadel Construction completes 5,300 s/f, 140-seat Bobby Van's Steakhouse Grill at JFK International

Citadel Construction has completed a landmark project at one of the nation's leading airports: a stunning, 5,300 s/f, 140-seat Bobby Van's Steakhouse Grill at JFK International. The project, for Tastes on the Fly, a restaurateur introducing high-end dining to major airports, transformed an expansive vacant area at the American Airlines Terminal into a dining establishment that matches the lofty standards the renowned steakhouse demands and creates a fitting eatery to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Bobby Van brand. Says Dominic Lowe, VP Airports, Westfield Concession Management, "We're extremely proud to bring such an iconic brand together with American Airlines to offer passengers both a spectacular dining and flying experience." Sparing no effort to achieve the complex conversion, Citadel followed the vision of Kevin Byrne Architects and Gilda Smith Interior Designs and worked in close collaboration with numerous federal, state and municipal safety agencies to precisely coordinate all site activities ensuring that no security protocols were ever compromised. "Post 9/11, security and safety are paramount," said Citadel's director of construction Chris Kuntz. Deliveries and visits had to be precisely scheduled under a flexible, four quadrant system developed by Kuntz and the Citadel team to accommodate regular security clearances yet maintain a tight, fast-track schedule. Citadel employed the same level of meticulous care to install the restaurant's numerous features including the impeccably crafted millwork package. Solid maple paneling with wainscoting was carefully laid out throughout the space from wall coverings to a large bar spanning the entrance to a steel, wood covered, trellis-like structure suspended from the ceiling in the lounge area. "All the finishes and furnishings were of the highest quality, top shelf, top-of-the-line - nothing less would do," said Kuntz. Over a dozen multi-tiered, alabaster domed chandeliers required special care to install, as did the state-of-the-art kitchen and accompanying MEP systems situated directly above areas crucial to the terminal's operations. The restaurant's intricate AV system, including strategically placed flat-panel TVs announcing departure and arrival times and an elaborate intercom system were made readily accessible without being intrusive. The end result is a striking, lavishly appointed space offering a "top-flight" steak and seafood menu that is making its mark on the N.Y. metro scene. Since opening in May, Bobby Van's at JFK has become a popular drawing card for both New Yorkers and international visitors. "Passengers and guests are thrilled with the beauty of the build-out. The response from management and staff of AA (American Airlines), Westfield, the Port Authority of New York (& New Jersey), other retailers and concessionaires has been nothing short of glowing," said Michael Levine, COO of Tastes on the Fly. Citadel Construction Corp., headquartered in New York City with regional offices in the east and west, is an award-winning construction company with a varied portfolio of successful projects completed for the world's most prestigious architectural firms, leading real estate owner/developers, Fortune 500 companies, and fashion forward couturiers. It has performed a variety of renovations and core and shell projects for a broad spectrum of industries including financial services, legal, hospitality, corporate and retail.çade of glass and customized wood beams at JFK invites travelers to the popular, high-end eatery.