CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today announced the openings of five new restaurants in O’Hare International Airport’s terminal core from local brands.

“I’m thrilled to welcome these new local businesses to O’Hare’s world-class concessions program,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “By showcasing Chicago’s diverse entrepreneurial spirit, these openings not only enhance the travel experience but also create meaningful economic opportunities for business owners from all backgrounds.”

The CDA and its concessions partners celebrated the grand openings Thursday with three ribbon cuttings in Terminal 1 – Pronto Sandwiches near Gate B14, The Bronze Pizza near Gate B7 and Home Run Inn Pizza near Gate C11.

Pronto Sandwiches is known for its schiacciata bread, a pressed Italian flatbread that offers a crisp, crunchy crust and a soft, moist interior in every bite. Each sandwich is named after an Italian entertainment icon and features a variety of imported meats, chesses and fresh vegetables.

Pronto Sandwiches was opened by Peter and Dana Burdi in Hinsdale, with a second location in Naperville. The Terminal 1 location is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

"We are absolutely thrilled to open Pronto Italian Sandwiches at O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest and most dynamic airports in the world," says Peter Burdi, Owner of Pronto Sandwiches. "We look forward to Chicago travelers experiencing the taste of Italy. We want to thank Nina Madonia and her TGI team, whose unparalleled expertise and unwavering support have made this experience seamless and authentic to our vision."

The new Home Run Inn Pizza location in Terminal 1’s C Concourse serves the signature crispy crust, tavern-style cheese and sausage pizzas that have been a Chicago favorite since the 1940s.

Another Home Run Inn Pizza recently opened in Terminal 2 near Gate E5. Both locations are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We're thrilled to be part of O'Hare's world-class food concessions and excited for the opportunity to share Chicago’s iconic Tavern Style Pizza with travelers from around the globe,” said Gina Bolger, Chief Marketing Officer for Home Run Inn.

The Bronze Pizza, open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., serves pizza, salads and wraps along with a selection of cocktails, beer, wine and spirits. The restaurant also offers a breakfast menu daily before 9:30 a.m.

The Bronze Pizza is a sister location to The Bronze Tap, which also opened recently in Terminal 3 near Gate K4, serving breakfast favorites and classic bar food for lunch and dinner, along with a full bar.

“Bringing The Bronze Pizza and The Bronze Tap to O’Hare is an incredible opportunity to share our vision of hospitality with travelers from around the world,” says Chef Erick Williams, Chef & Owner of Virtue Hospitality Group. “Both concepts are rooted in quality, comfort and a sense of place — whether you’re grabbing a handcrafted pizza made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients or unwinding with a great drink before your flight. We want every guest to experience the warmth and excellence that define our approach to food and service, even on the go.”