O'Hare Airport Seeks to Expand Retail Options with Local Brands

Strategic Insights -

Chicago restaurants Bar Siena, The Hampton Social, and Butcher & the Burger are among eight new establishments that could come to O'Hare International Airport later this year. The City Council is being asked to approve deals for new food, beverage, and retail options in Terminal 3 and Terminal 5, as well as a service for travelers to order food through their phones for gate-side delivery. Local brands are a key part of the strategy to increase concession sales, an important passenger amenity and source of revenue for the airport.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bar Siena, a West Loop Italian restaurant from DineAmic Hospitality, will open in Terminal 5 later this year, operated by Chicago Hospitality Partners, a joint venture between AirBrands, Balton, and Master ConcessionAir.
  • The Hampton Social, with locations around the country, will also open in Terminal 5 as part of the joint venture.
  • HMSHost, which operates retail concessions in O'Hare's domestic terminals, won contracts to operate Butcher & the Burger and Sparrow Coffee in Terminal 5.
  • Marshall Group, an airport concession operator based in Las Vegas, will operate retail shops ChiBoys and Six Points Market in Terminal 5, and Boulevard and Branch in Terminal 3.
  • The city proposed awarding a contract to provide mobile food ordering and delivery to customers at the gate to Grab Chicago, a joint venture among Cursus Technologies, Hyde Park Hospitality, and URW Airports, along with subcontractor AtYourGate.
  • DineAmic, which also operates Prime & Provisions, Siena Tavern, and Lyra, is planning to open another Bar Siena location this summer at Old Orchard in Skokie.
  • Local brands are a key part of the airport's strategy to increase concession sales and attract more revenue from passengers.

Statistics:

  • 8 new restaurants and retailers could come to O'Hare as part of concessions contracts for the new gates at Terminal 5.
  • 3 new food and beverage options will be available in Terminal 3 and Terminal 5.
  • 60% of travelers prioritize shopping and dining when choosing an airport (American Express 2020 survey).
  • Airports can generate up to 20% of revenue from concession sales (ACI-NA 2020).

Sources:

  • "O'Hare explores ways to boost retail offerings" - Joe Cahill, Crain's Chicago Business (April 27, 2022)
  • "Bar Siena to join O'Hare's Terminal 5, as food vendors emerge to serve travelers" - John Pletz and Ally Marotti, Crain's Chicago Business (May 2022)
  • "HMSHost wins contracts for O'Hare concessions" - John Pletz, Crain's Chicago Business (April 27, 2022)
  • "Marshall Group to operate retail shops at O'Hare" - Ally Marotti, Crain's Chicago Business (April 27, 2022)
  • "Grab Chicago wins contract to provide mobile food ordering and delivery at O'Hare" - Ally Marotti, Crain's Chicago Business (April 27, 2022)