Representatives from the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) joined passengers and concessions partners at O’Hare International Airport on Tuesday to cut the ribbon on the airport outposts of two popular local eateries: The Hampton Social and Bar Siena are now open for business in Terminal 5.
“The opening of these popular local restaurant concepts at O’Hare Airport’s expanded Terminal 5 is an important milestone for our city because not only will these restaurants serve as a gateway to Chicago’s world-class culinary scene for visitors and residents alike, but their inclusion highlights the opportunity for airport concessions at both O’Hare and Midway,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement. “It is essential that we drive hospitality and retail growth throughout Chicago, and when diverse local businesses are able to participate in that growth, Chicago wins.”
“Chicago is known the world over for its food scene, and the restaurants inside of O’Hare and Midway International Airports give travelers a taste of the wonderful culinary choices awaiting them here,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “The Hampton Social and Bar Siena represent the best of Chicago’s dining experience. We are thrilled to welcome them to the newly renovated and expanded Terminal 5, designed to maximize the aviation experience for today’s traveler.”
The Hampton Social opened its flagship restaurant in 2015 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood and specializes in coastal-inspired food. O’Hare marks The Hampton Social’s sixth Chicagoland location.
“I’m thrilled to bring The Hampton Social to Chicago’s O’Hare,” said Brad Parker, CEO and founder of Parker Hospitality. “As we look to continue expanding The Hampton Social across the U.S., O’Hare was the obvious choice for our first airport location. A bustling hub for Chicagoans and travelers from all over the globe, O’Hare felt like the right place to bring The Hampton Social’s fun, rejuvenating energy. The O’Hare opening marks the tenth location of The Hampton Social for Parker Hospitality, and I look forward to continuing our growth in the U.S. market.”
Bar Siena also opened its first location in 2015, located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Bar Siena specializes in casual Italian fare.
Both restaurants are open at O’Hare seven days a week, The Hampton Social (located near Gate M5) from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Bar Siena (located near Gate M34) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“We are excited to be joining the ranks of other incredible hospitality brands here at the airport and extending the Bar Siena brand,” said DineAmic’s co-founder Luke Stoioff. “The Chicago Hospitality Partners and O’Hare team have been amazing collaborators. We are looking forward to this project with them, as well as other opportunities to bring modern and exciting restaurant concepts to O’Hare.”
“This is a great moment for the Bar Siena brand and it’s been a wonderful experience working with the team at The Chicago Hospitality Partners and the airport,” said Bar Siena partner, celebrity chef Fabio Viviani. “I’m excited to bring our delicious menu of elevated pizzas, pastas, salads and more to O’Hare. I love knowing that travelers from all over the world can now enjoy some of my favorite signature dishes while on their way to their next destination.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to play a part in the ongoing dining modernization at O’Hare International Airport,” said Peter Amaro, C.E.O of Master Concession Air. “Our partnerships with Chicago’s hospitality leaders set us apart. We take pride in delivering memorable and vibrant dining experiences for travelers passing through one of the busiest airports in the world.”
“As a small, minority-owned business, this opportunity to open a restaurant at O’Hare, partnering with these world-class restaurateurs, is a proud moment for me and my family,” said John Wober, president of Airbrands. “As the food capital of the world, playing a role to bring these brands to O’Hare is a game changer for us.”
The arrival of The Hampton Social and Bar Siena to the new Terminal 5 comes as the facility nears the end of a $1.3 billion expansion and renovation, which added 350,000 square feet and 10 new gates to the terminal when the new eastern extension opened last year. The project, which increased the terminal’s capacity by 25% and amenity space by 75%, also renovated 10 existing gates and modernized the existing terminal facilities.
As part of the Terminal 5 project, the CDA and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) partnered on a $3.5M public art project, the City’s largest single acquisition of works by Chicago artists in 30 years. The new commissions were installed in October 2023 across the FIS Arrival Corridor, the Baggage Claim area, and the Passenger Level M Concourse.
Future planned concessions in Terminal 5 include Butcher and the Burger, The Dearborn, Publican Coffee, Chick-fil-A, and Protein Bar & Kitchen.
O’Hare currently has 144 food and beverage locations. Overall, the airport concessions size equals more than 188,000 square feet.
