An airport outpost of The Dearborn, a favorite local eatery in Chicago’s Loop, is coming to the newly-expanded Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports announced today.
“Exciting new restaurants and shops play a major role in our curb-to-gate transformation of the passenger experience at O’Hare’s terminals,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said. “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.”
“Bringing in a beloved local brand like The Dearborn that delivers a taste of Chicago’s neighborhoods and offers something to delight each of our diverse customers is truly a win-win,” said Brian Petrow, URW’s Senior Vice President of Airport Operations. “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.“
The Dearborn is an urban American tavern with an upscale, yet approachable menu that will offer sit-down service and a grab-and-go marketplace with fresh coffee. The original establishment, located in Chicago’s iconic theater district, was opened in 2016 by Irish immigrant sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless. The Terminal 5 restaurant, expected to open the first half of 2024, is The Dearborn’s first location in an airport.
The restaurant will be owned and operated by Chicago Hospitality Partners, a joint venture between Chicago native John Wober, President of Airbrands, and Master ConcessionAir (MCA). Airbrands is a 100% Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) operator.
“We are excited to introduce a local brand into the airport that will cater to all passengers in Terminal 5," Wober said. “We are grateful to the CDA and URW for giving local companies an opportunity to partner with companies such as MCA to bring these game-changing ventures into our airport.”
“We are honored to be a part of the Terminal 5 upgrades and excited to bring this authentic Chicago food experience to O’Hare,” said Peter Amaro, President of Master ConcessionAir. “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 Dearborn is expected to create more than 50 concessions jobs in addition to 20 construction jobs to build the concept.
The restaurant will join a number of new offerings as part of the $1.3 billion revamp of Terminal 5 that added 350,000 square feet, 10 gates, and modernized the existing space when the new eastern extension opened earlier this year. Last October, Delta Air Lines moved from its longtime home in Terminal 2 into Terminal 5.
The Dearborn caters to all ages and palates with an all-day menu of fan favorites like tavern-style pizza, fish & chips, Scottish egg, fried chicken, salads, soup, travel-ready items, and more. The Dearborn also has one of the city's best drink menus, boasting a large selection of wines by the glass, draft beers, and craft cocktails.
