New Fannie May, Hudson Stores Open At Midway International Airport
The two Hudson travel convenience stores and a Fannie May location are the latest openings in the ongoing redevelopment of Midway’s concessions program.
CDA Media Relations cdamedia@cityofchicago.org
Vantage Group media_relations@vantagegroup.com
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CHICAGO – Midway Partnership and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) on Wednesday announced the opening of three new retail locations at Chicago Midway International Airport.
The stores, operated by travel retail leader Hudson, include two Hudson retail stores and Chicago favorite chocolate and candy shop Fannie May. Hudson, which operates more than 1,000 travel convenience, specialty retail, and duty-free stores in travel venues across North America, continues to expand its presence at Midway as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience for all guests.
"I join Commissioner Rhee and CDA in welcoming Fannie May and two new Hudson shops to Midway's growing concessions program," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "These openings represent our commitment to equitably growing opportunities to do business with our airports and ensure that Midway and O'Hare reflect the spirit of our great city."
“I’m proud to welcome Fannie May and these new Hudson shops to our vibrant concessions program at Midway,” CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said. “By bringing in concessions offerings from diverse, local ownership groups, we are investing in Chicago’s communities while working to create an enhanced travel experience for all passengers.”
The expansion includes two new Hudson locations in Baggage Claim and Concourse C, designed to provide travelers with an enhanced customer experience. As North America's largest travel essentials and convenience brand, Hudson offers a comprehensive selection of snacks and beverages; travel necessities; local products including Beelove, Chicago Mahogany, Brown Sugar Bakery, and Garrett Popcorn; electronics, books, magazines, and more. These new locations are strategically positioned to serve the diverse needs of travelers.
Additionally, Concourse A now features an outpost of iconic Chicago chocolate company Fannie May. Founded in Chicago by H. Teller Archibald in 1920, Fannie May has grown from a single retail store on LaSalle Street to a renowned maker of gourmet chocolates and confections enjoyed by millions.
“The transformation at Chicago Midway continues to evolve and deliver offerings for every kind of guest at the airport, making each experience unique,” said Sammy Patel, CEO of Midway Partnership. “The mix of amenities ensures everyone has what they need. Our focus remains on creating a seamless, stress-free travel experience while ensuring passengers feel connected to Chicago’s rich culture and flavors. Whether travelers need last-minute travel items or want to bring home a taste of Chicago, the new additions continue to provide a world-class concessions experience.”
These openings mark a significant milestone in the transformation of Midway’s concessions program. Since 2017, Midway Partnership has invested more than $75 million and introduced more than 70 new dining and retail brands to the airport. The total concessions area has increased by approximately 30,000 square feet, and the number of concessions jobs is well on its way to doubling from 700 to 1,400. The program also boasts industry-leading participation by Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, at over 56%.
ABOUT THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION (CDA)
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) owns and operates one of the world's busiest airport systems, comprised of O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Chicago's airports offer service to more than 260 nonstop destinations worldwide, including 76 international destinations, combined. Together, Chicago's airports serve nearly 100 million passengers each year and generate approximately $70 billion in annual economic activity for the region, while supporting 700,000 jobs throughout nine area counties. More than 54,000 employees work directly at O’Hare and Midway.
The CDA is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at either airport. For more information, visit flychicago.com.
ABOUT MIDWAY PARTNERSHIP
Midway Partnership is a joint venture comprised of some of the top companies in the aviation industry – Vantage Group, SSP America, and Hudson – tasked with transforming the dining and shopping options at Chicago Midway International Airport. Midway Partnership has invested over $75 million to bring more than 70 new dining and retail brands to the airport. Midway Partnership is creating hundreds of new employment opportunities in the City of Chicago and is well on the way to doubling the number of concessions jobs at the airport from 700 to 1,400. The project will increase the total concessions area from approximately 40,000 square feet to 70,000 square feet and boasts one of the nation’s highest Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation levels at over 56%. Midway Partnership’s work will position Chicago Midway to be a leading international airport in the coming years, generate tens of millions of dollars for Chicago residents and the city, and improve the travel experiences of the 22 million passengers annually. For more information about Midway Partnership, please visit www.midwaypartnership.com.
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