Chicago city leaders were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new restaurant at Midway International Airport this week.
The opening of The Orange Line, which serves tacos, burgers and salads amongst other dishes, brought out Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), according to a news release from Lightfoot’s office.
“The success of the Midway Modernization Program is proof that we can achieve anything when we have a clear vision, solid partnerships with local agencies and organizations, and the ingenuity and creativity of a diverse team of contractors and employees,” Lightfoot said. “These investments, in and around the airport, significantly enhance the passenger experience and have created more than 1,000 new jobs for Chicago residents.”
The opening of the restaurant is part of the $75 million Midway Modernization Program which seeks to remodel and improve dining opportunities at the airport located on the southwest side of the city. The program is the biggest capital improvement project at the airport in over 20 years and has an estimated value of $400 million.
“We’ve been very intentional in our concessions redevelopment to ensure it elevates the passenger experience and creates a sense of place that is truly Chicago,” said Sammy Patel, CEO of Midway Partnership. “Through this local joint venture between SSP America and several local Chicago businesses, the Orange Line is a great example of the many ways the partnership with the City of Chicago is maximizing the opportunities for true local participation.”
The Orange Line restaurant takes its moniker from the CTA train line that connects the airport to the loop and is located in Concourse B, near Gate B21. The project was a joint development by SSP America and the Midway Partnership, the airport’s concession developer. The restaurant will have a full bar and be open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Midway International Airport has 61 concession areas including locally owned businesses like Billy Goat Tavern, Garrett Popcorn and Nuts on Clark. In 2023, nine new food and beverage concessions and eight retail locations are expected to open.
Phase I of Midway’s Concessions Redevelopment Program is now complete. The first phase sought to completely rehab the concession area with Phase II expected to accommodate 26,000 square feet of concessions.