Chicago's The Dearborn to Open Airport Outpost

The Dearborn, Chicago’s iconic Loop destination spot known for their world class culinary program and exceptional hospitality, announced their second outpost coming to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 in 2024. 

Since opening in 2016 and under the leadership of powerful business duo Amy and Clodagh Lawless and notable Chicago chef, Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri, The Dearborn quickly became one of the most sought after and go-to destination spots in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood. Recently, the concept has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Restaurants of 2022 and one of the Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in the United States by OpenTable. 

After seven years together, the Lawless sisters and Chef Cuschieri are spearheading the new outpost, with plans to open during the first half of 2024. Under the culinary direction of Cuschieri, The Dearborn’s airport concept will offer similar modern American tavern-style menu offerings as their downtown location, served with the same top-tier level of hospitality. Known for their all-day menu of both classic and unique worldly flavors mastered with a Midwestern approach, the new concept will emulate the same approach. 

“We have been so appreciative of the amount of success we have had over the past seven years in Chicago’s Loop, and are so thankful to our loyal customer base and out-of-town visitors,” says The Dearborn’s co-founder, Clodagh Lawless. “We cannot wait to expand our brand to Terminal 5 of the O’Hare Airport and share our passion for great food and hospitality with even more diners in the new year.”

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.  With this opening, The Dearborn is planning to create around 75 new jobs from construction to concessions.