SSP America opens series of restos at Midway International Airport
SSP America celebrates the opening of new restaurants and bars at MDW
SSP America announced that it has opened a collection of restaurants and bars at Midway International Airport (MDW). The majority of the offerings are located in a food court area called the Central Market and heavily feature local brands. Incorporating local businesses is part of SSP America’s “taste of place” airport initiative, the press release said.
The company has operated at MDW since 2017, with the restaurants and bars opening as part of SSP America’s efforts to enhance the culinary experience for passengers transiting through MDW. SSP America’s joint venture partners, subtenants and hundreds of team members now operate more than 30 restaurants. The percentage of Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE) involved with the project makes the operation an industry-leading program with the total percentage of ACDBE participation at close to 60 percent.
SSP America is a member of Midway Partnership, a joint venture that also includes Vantage Airport Group and Hudson. Midway Partnership was selected by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to lead a US$75 million transformation of Midway’s concession program.
“SSP America and its local, minority partners have been true partners in delivering our ambitious vision to transform the traveler experience at Chicago Midway. The Central Market is at the heart of Midway Partnership’s $75 million transformation of the airport’s eating and shopping experience,” said Sammy Patel, CEO, Midway Partnership. “Our successful collaboration with SSP is built around ensuring community benefit, showcasing Chicago, and doing our utmost to collaborate with and support people and local businesses in the community.”
The new restaurants and bars at MDW include:
- White Sox Bar & Grill: Ballpark-inspired dining menu paying homage to Chicago’s World Series-winning baseball team, the White Sox.
- Reilly’s Daughter: A familiar name to locals that now has two spots at MDW, serving friendly neighbourhood fare.
- America’s Dog & Burger: A menu based on a cross-country road trip serving hot dogs from across the U.S.
- Connie’s Pizza: A Chicago favorite since 1963 serving classic deep-dish pizza.
- Big Bowl: Authentic wok-tossed Chinese bowls using quality ingredients with options including orange chicken, beef and broccoli and potstickers or egg rolls.
- M Burger: A local Chicago handmade burger joint using freshly ground, all-natural midwestern Black Angus beef, Kennebec fries, Martin’s Potato Buns and house-made sauces.
- Tall Boy Taco’s: From Chicago’s Streeterville neighbourhood, the menu features fan-favorite tacos, quesadillas and salads along with agua fresca.
- Beechers Handmade Cheese: A menu rich with critically acclaimed specialty cheeses including made-to-order grilled sandwiches, hot soups such as the Tomato Flagship and the Oprah-endorsed “World's Best” Mac & Cheese.
- Dunkin: The popular American chain makes its way to MDW.
“The transformation of MDW led by CDA and Midway Partnership is truly remarkable—from the improved infrastructure around the Airport, TSA facilities, and the redevelopment of the concessions program, MDW is now a world-class airport which offers a tremendous experience for travellers.” said Senior Vice President of Business Development Bob Stanton. “These openings represent the final phase of our development efforts. It’s truly a unique effort given the extraordinary level of ACDBE participation and representation from the local restaurant community. This collection of brands rounds out our MDW portfolio of restaurants, and we’re grateful for the participation of all our restaurant partners including those we’ve been operating with for a number of years.”
