USA. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), in partnership with retail developer Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports, has revealed an updated line-up of commercial outlets for Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Making their debuts at a Chicago airport in coming months are fast-food chain Chick-fil-A and Protein Bar & Kitchen, while Evolve by Hudson recently opened its first Chicago airport branch at the newly revamped Terminal 5.
Protein Bar & Kitchen will start with a temporary grab-and-go spot in February and then open its permanent location this Summer, both in Terminal 5. It will be managed by Protein Bar & Kitchen along with ACDBE partners DC Garrett Group and Chicagoan Miguel Cruz of BT Express.
Chicago-based Hyde Park Hospitality and its partner Phillips Concessions, both Airport Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE), will own and operate the Chick-fil-A outlet.
These new locations are a part of the largest set of concessions agreements at O’Hare in more than 30 years. The upgrades were proposed last year by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and approved by the City Council in May.
The new retail outlets are also included in the US$1.3 billion T5 renovation project that added 350,000 square feet and ten gates, while modernising the existing space. Delta Air Lines moved from Terminal 2 into Terminal 5 in October 2022, and Lightfoot announced last week that Terminal 5’s new eastern extension is now open.
CDA Commissioner Jamie Rhee said: “Our continued investment at O’Hare is creating thousands of jobs, new opportunities for diverse businesses and an unparalleled traveller experience.”
“The expanded Terminal 5 is bringing new and exciting dining and retail to the airport and building an even stronger representation of local and minority business owners.”
Hyde Park Hospitality CEO Marc Brooks also commented: “We are thrilled to bring customer favourite Chick-fil-A to O’Hare.
“It is a dream come true to open another 100% minority-owned and operated business in one of the busiest airports in the world, right here in my hometown. We cannot wait to create more good paying jobs and hospitality careers at the airport.”
Protein Bar & Kitchen CEO Jeff Drake said: “O’Hare is a perfect fit for Protein Bar & Kitchen and our expansion plan.”
“Our flavour-forward, better-for-you fast-casual concept is well-known in Chicago and we look forward to introducing our popular menu items to the diverse customer base of domestic and long-haul international travellers in Terminal 5.”
Hyde Park Hospitality and Phillips Concessions are expected to create 75 jobs with the Chick-fil-A opening, while Protein Bar & Kitchen will employ about 25 people.
Offering a one-stop shop tailored to the local market, Evolve by Hudson’s opening in Terminal 5 provides new shopping options for airport guests.
Evolve by Hudson sells a range of local brands including Bitoy’s Sweet Treats Inc., which offers dipped and baked selection of cookies and brownies; regional barbeque sauce maker Lillie’s Q; Beelove, maker of an all-natural line of raw honey and honey-infused body care products; and Katherine Anne Confections, known for its hand-stirred caramel, hand rolled and dipped truffles, marshmallows, and drinking chocolate.✈
