CHICAGO – Fried chicken lovers rejoice! The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Midway Partnership today officially opened the latest new concession offering at Midway International Airport, Big City Chicken.

Named Chicago’s “Best Fried Chicken Secret” by the Chicago Tribune and “Number 1 Fried Chicken in Chicago” in 2017 by Eater Chicago, Big City Chicken’s Midway outpost is located between gates B5 and B7, and offers the ultimate comfort food in original or spicy varieties. The restaurant’s original location, operated by Lettuce Entertain You, opened on Navy Pier in 2015.

“Chicago is committed to proving that airport food doesn’t have to be boring,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “We are thrilled to welcome Big City Chicken and the Lettuce Entertain You family to Midway continuing to build on the CDA’s commitment to reimagine the traveling experience at Midway.”

Big City Chicken is the 24^th location, out of 70 new, planned concession offerings,  to open as part of a three-year, $75 million concessions expansion. For the first time in 20 years the airport is working to transform the lineup, offering travelers and families more reasons to choose Midway than ever before.

"We are very excited to partner with (SSP(MP) on the opening of Big City Chicken at Midway Airport,” said Kevin Reynolds, Executive Partner, Lettuce Entertain You. “This is our first opening at Midway, and the initial response we’ve received has been amazing. We thank CDA and our partners for allowing us this tremendous opportunity." 

 The concessions upgrade through Midway Partnership, a joint venture with Vantage Airport Group, SSP America and Hudson Group, is part of the ongoing Midway Modernization Program (MMP), a nearly $330 million investment in the future of Midway International Airport, and the largest improvement program at the airport in nearly two decades. The MMP, which is totally reimagining Midway’s concessions offerings, is expected to create over 2,500 jobs. Other improvements include parking garage enhancements and construction of a new and more efficient security screening facility.

"Midway Partnership and our partner SSP America are incredibly excited to be introducing the first of the upcoming Lettuce Entertain You concepts at Midway with Big City Chicken. Already, the menu items are proving to be a big hit among visitors, locals, and our airport employees," said Sammy Patel, CEO, Midway Partnership. "This opening continues to demonstrate our collective commitment to delivering a 'taste of place' to Midway by elevating the passenger experience and bringing local ownership and employment opportunities to the transformation of the concessions program."

For more information about Midway Partners, click here.

For more information about the Midway Modernization Program, visit www.MDWmod.com.