USA. Hospitality specialist Chicago Hospitality Partners is set to unveil the first airport outlet from popular local restaurant The Dearborn at the newly expanded Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 in the first half of 2024.
Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Jamie Rhee said: “Exciting new restaurants and shops play a major role in our curb-to-gate transformation of the passenger experience at O’Hare’s terminals.
“Bringing local, minority-owned restaurants like The Dearborn to the airport provides a terrific first impression of Chicago for millions of passengers while investing in Chicago’s communities.”
The urban American tavern airport outlet will feature sit-down service and a grab-and-go marketplace with fresh coffee.
The downtown restaurant serves a selection of signature tavern-style pizza, fish & chips, Scottish egg, fried chicken, salads, soup, travel-ready items and more. It also has a wide range of wines by the glass, draft beers and craft cocktails.
The restaurant was established in 2016 by Irish immigrant sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless in Chicago’s theatre district.
The airport location will be owned and operated by Chicago Hospitality Partners, a joint venture between Airbrands President John Wober and Master ConcessionAir (MCA).
Airbrands is a 100% Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) operator.
Wober said: “We are excited to introduce a local brand into the airport that will cater to all passengers in Terminal 5. We are grateful to the CDA and URW (Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield) for giving local companies an opportunity to partner with companies such as MCA to bring these game-changing ventures into our airport.”
Master ConcessionAir President Peter Amaro added: “We are honoured to be a part of the Terminal 5 upgrades and excited to bring this authentic Chicago food experience to O’Hare.
“We are proud to partner with the CDA, URW, The Dearborn and Airbrands to deliver a truly unique taste of Chicago to this world-class airport.”
The new restaurant is expected to generate more than 50 concessions jobs in addition to 20 construction jobs to build the concept.
It will add to the growing list of F&B offerings at the airport and is also part of the US$1.3 billion revamp of Terminal 5. The project included the addition of 350,000 square feet of space and ten gates. It also upgraded the existing space when the new eastern extension opened earlier this year.
Last October, Delta Air Lines moved from its long-time home in Terminal 2 into Terminal 5.
URW Senior Vice President of Airport Operations Brian Petrow said: “Bringing in a beloved local brand like The Dearborn that delivers a taste of Chicago’s neighbourhoods and offers something to delight each of our diverse customers is truly a win-win.
“As a female-owned business with an ACDBE operator, The Dearborn represents our commitment to enhancing the customer experience at T5 while we create exciting new opportunities for our local communities. We are thrilled to be a part of the expanded terminal and proud to partner with the CDA.” ✈
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