A branch of The Dearborn, a favourite local eatery in Chicago’s Loop, is coming to the newly expanded Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport.

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 theatre district, was opened in 2016 by Irish sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless. The Terminal 5 restaurant, expected to open in the first half of 2024, is The Dearborn’s first location in an airport.

Bringing in a beloved local brand that delivers a taste of Chicago’s neighbourhoods is truly a win-win

Brian Petrow, URW Airports
The Dearbon bar at ORD

The Dearborn offers a large range of wine, beer and cocktails

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. The Dearborn is expected to create more than 50 concessions roles and 20 construction jobs.

The restaurant will join a number of new offerings as part of the $1.3bn revamp of Terminal 5, that added 350,000 sq ft, ten gates, and modernised the existing space when the new eastern extension opened earlier this year.

Dearborn exterior ORD

The original establishment was opened in 2016 by Irish sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless

“Bringing in a beloved local brand like The Dearborn that delivers a taste of Chicago’s neighbourhoods and offers something to delight each of our diverse customers is truly a win-win,” said Brian Petrow, senior vice president of airport operations at retail specialist Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports.

“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,” he added. 

The Dearborn offers an all-day menu of what it describes as ‘fan favourites’, among them tavern-style pizza, fish & chips, fried chicken, salads, soup, travel-ready items, and more. It also offers a large selection of wines by the glass, along with draft beers, and craft cocktails.  

Images: O’Hare International Airport