CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot introduced two ordinances to City Council today to approve four new concession agreements at O’Hare International Airport. Seven of the agreements place new food, beverage, and retail operations in locations across Terminals 3 and 5 following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) issued in April 2021. The additional agreement, following an RFP issued in July 2020, provides self-ordering technology and delivery services that allow customers to purchase food through their phones for gate-side delivery at O’Hare’s Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Diverse firms of various sizes were encouraged to submit proposals for both RFPs, and the agreements will reach an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE) participation rate of approximately 40%, exceeding the CDA’s goal of 32% and the nationwide goal of 10% set by the Federal Aviation Administration.
“These new concessions at O’Hare offer small business opportunities at the world’s gateway to Chicago, while also providing exciting new options for travelers— including those using the revamped Terminal 5 opening later this year,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This effort will bring an estimated 150 new jobs, and build on O’Hare’s reputation as one of the best airports in the country.”
These concessions agreements, the largest in more than 10 years for O’Hare, are a key component of the $8.5 billion initiative dubbed O’Hare 21, the curb-to-gate reinvestment strategy that will modernize facilities and offer new passenger amenities for the 21st century and beyond. The concessions selected through these ordinances will occupy just under 10,000 square feet of available space and will allow the airport to better serve increasing passenger traffic, especially in Terminal 5.
“The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is committed to bringing new ideas and diversified operators to our airport environment through concession agreements like this,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “These eight new concession locations and the delivery service include 9 ACDBE businesses participating as direct lessors, service providers, joint venture partners, or subtenants, and we’re excited that four are new entrants to the airport’s concession program.”
“These ordinances taken together enhance the experience of Chicago residents and visitors throughout our airports,” said Chairman of the Committee on Aviation Matt O’Shea, 19th Ward. “It also gives ACDBE businesses opportunities for growth in one of the world’s finest airports.”
The new agreements will provide additional food, beverage, and retail opportunities within the newly expanded east concourse of Terminal 5, as well as expand on existing concession space in Terminal 3 and the west concourse of Terminal 5.
Proposed concessionaires include:
- Butcher and the Burger, operated by HMS Host at Terminal 5 East Concourse
- Sparrow Coffee, operated by HMS Host at Terminal 5 West Concourse
- Boulevard and Branch, operated by Marshall Retail Group at Terminal 3 Concourse H/K
- Chi Boys, operated by Marshall Retail Group at Terminal 5 East Concourse
- Hampton Social, operated by Chicago Hospitality Partners at Terminal 5 West Concourse
- Bar Siena, operated by Chicago Hospitality Partners at Terminal 5 East Concourse
- FarmAir’s Market, operated by Chicago Hospitality Partners at Terminal 5 West Concourse
- Six Points Market, operated by Marshall Retail Group at Terminal 5 East Concourse
Gateside ordering and delivery at O’Hare will be provided by Grab Chicago, a joint venture among Cursus Technologies, Inc., Hyde Park Hospitality, and URW Airports along with joint venture subcontractor AtYourGate.