Bell Works Chicagoland, the former AT&T corporate campus and Chicagoland’s first ‘metroburb’ — a self-contained metropolis in suburbia — announced the opening of ‘Fairgrounds World’s Fair’, the latest cafê and food concept from Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea.
“As we celebrate the grand opening of Fairgrounds World’s Fair at the metroburb, we are witnessing our vibrant community come to life. It’s truly inspiring to see such a beloved brand like Fairgrounds join our campus,” said Ralph Zucker, CEO and Founder of Inspired by Somerset Development, the force behind Bell Works Chicagoland in a statement. “Our vision for Bell Works Chicagoland has always been centered around empowering people to adapt, grow, and thrive. With the opening of the metroburb’s first food and beverage concept, tenants and visitors alike will now have another place to dine, play, and come together.”
The newest addition to the metroburb opened its doors on June 7th, 2023, with a grand opening event featuring a Jazz band and complimentary cocktail and menu items for all guests.
Fairgrounds World’s Fair has 137 seats, as well as an outdoor patio with an additional 45 seats. The 5,743-square foot space is equipped with a full-service kitchen, a fresh, seasonally-inspired food and bakery program, a cocktail bar with beer and wine on tap, and convenient grab-and-go options. It also offers Fairgrounds’ selection of craft coffee, tea varieties from around the globe, and an array of cold brews, lattes and sparkling beverages on tap.
“Today marks an exciting milestone for Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea as we proudly unveil our newest location at Bell Works Chicagoland,” said Michael Shultz, Founder and CEO at Infuse Hospitality, the food and beverage management company behind Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea. “Our team is thrilled to bring our specialty coffee, tea, food and hospitality to this iconic space. We believe that Fairgrounds will serve as a meaningful place where the community can experience the vibrant energy that flows through Bell Works Chicagoland while enjoying great food and drink.”
Designed by Barker / Nestor Architecture and Design, with input from Wight & Company Architects and npz studio+, the architect and designer behind Bell Works, Fairgrounds World’s Fair focuses on turn-of-the-century glamor and feature rustic, whimsical furniture to encompass a warm, nostalgic, Chicagoan environment — a unique differentiator compared to existing Fairgrounds locations.
Other notable details of Fairgrounds World’s Fair include spacious seating areas, a foosball table and other games, and an abundance of natural light. The location will serve as a spot for Bell Works Chicagoland tenants and visitors to dine in or take out via the grab-and-go menu, which will feature preservative-free, fresh, and regionally inspired items.
Founded in 2017, Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea has a wide array of teas and coffees, and more recently – kombucha – which is available on tap. The company partners with local bakeries to deliver fresh goods to customers on a daily basis, and emphasizes inclusivity and curiosity in efforts to make specialty coffee and tea a more approachable concept. Fairgrounds is powered by Infuse Hospitality, a food and beverage management company. Today, Fairgrounds has ten locations across the country, including Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles.
