US. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), in partnership with Chicago Hospitality Partners, has unveiled The Hampton Social and Bar Siena at Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5.
Chicago Hospitality Partners is a joint venture between minority-owned companies Master ConcessionAir and Airbrands.
The openings were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, together with concession partners.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said: “The opening of these popular local restaurant concepts at O’Hare Airport’s expanded Terminal 5 is an important milestone for our city because not only will these restaurants serve as a gateway to Chicago’s world-class culinary scene for visitors and residents alike, but their inclusion highlights the opportunity for airport concessions at both O’Hare and Midway.
“It is essential that we drive hospitality and retail growth throughout Chicago, and when diverse local businesses are able to participate in that growth, Chicago wins.”
CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee added: “Chicago is known the world over for its food scene, and the restaurants inside of O’Hare and Midway International airports give travellers a taste of the wonderful culinary choices awaiting them here.
“The Hampton Social and Bar Siena represent the best of Chicago’s dining experience. We are thrilled to welcome them to the newly renovated and expanded Terminal 5, designed to maximise the aviation experience for today’s traveller.”
The Hampton Social is popular for its coastal-inspired menu and hand-crafted cocktails with locations in various US cities, including its flagship store at Chicago’s River North area which opened in 2015. O’Hare marks the restaurant’s sixth Chicagoland location.
Parker Hospitality CEO Brad Parker said: “I’m thrilled to bring The Hampton Social to Chicago’s O’Hare. As we look to continue expanding The Hampton Social across the US, O’Hare was the obvious choice for our first airport location.
“A bustling hub for Chicagoans and travellers from all over the globe, O’Hare felt like the right place to bring The Hampton Social’s fun, rejuvenating energy. The O’Hare opening marks the tenth location of The Hampton Social for Parker Hospitality, and I look forward to continuing our growth in the US market.”
Bar Siena, which serves its signature Italian fare, launched in Chicago in 2015 in the West Loop neighbourhood.
DineAmic Co-founder Luke Stoioff said: “We are excited to be joining the ranks of other incredible hospitality brands here at the airport and extending the Bar Siena brand.
“The Chicago Hospitality Partners and O’Hare team have been amazing collaborators. We are looking forward to this project with them, as well as other opportunities to bring modern and exciting restaurant concepts to O’Hare.”
Bar Siena Partner and Chef Fabio Viviani added: “This is a great moment for the Bar Siena brand and it’s been a wonderful experience working with the team at The Chicago Hospitality Partners and the airport.
“I’m excited to bring our delicious menu of elevated pizzas, pastas, salads and more to O’Hare. I love knowing that travellers from all over the world can now enjoy some of my favourite signature dishes while on their way to their next destination.”
Master ConcessionAir CEO Peter Amaro said: “We are grateful for the opportunity to play a part in the ongoing dining modernisation at O’Hare International Airport. Our partnerships with Chicago’s hospitality leaders set us apart. We take pride in delivering memorable and vibrant dining experiences for travellers passing through one of the busiest airports in the world.”
Airbrands President John Wober added: “As a small, minority-owned business, this opportunity to open a restaurant at O’Hare, partnering with these world-class restaurateurs, is a proud moment for me and my family. As the food capital of the world, playing a role to bring these brands to O’Hare is a game changer for us.”
The openings are part of the US$1.3 billion renovation project at T5. The terminal has been expanded with a 350,000sq m space and ten new gates in the eastern extension, which was unveiled in 2023.
The project included a +25% increase in the terminal’s capacity and +75% growth in its amenity space, as well as the renovation of ten existing gates and other terminal facilities.
As part of the revamp, the CDA collaborated with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for a US$3.5 million public art project. The initiative is the city’s largest single acquisition of works by Chicago artists in 30 years.
The commissions were installed in October 2023 across the FIS Arrival Corridor, the Baggage Claim area, and the Passenger Level M Concourse.
Other food & beverage outlets expected to open at T5 include Butcher and the Burger, The Dearborn, Publican Coffee, Chick-fil-A, and Protein Bar & Kitchen. 
