Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced the opening of five new restaurants in O’Hare International Airport’s terminal core, featuring 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 renowned for its schiacciata bread, a pressed Italian flatbread that offers a crisp crust and soft interior. Each sandwich is named after an Italian entertainment icon and features imported meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.

Pronto Sandwiches was opened by Peter and Dana Burdi in Hinsdale, with a second location in Naperville. The Terminal 1 location operates 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," said Peter Burdi, Owner of Pronto Sandwiches. "We look forward to Chicago travelers experiencing the taste of Italy. "

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

Another Home Run Inn Pizza recently opened in Terminal 2 near Gate E5. Both locations operate 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 operates daily from 4:30 a.m. to9:30 p .m., serving pizza, salads, wraps along with cocktails beer wine spirits; it also offers breakfast before9 :30a .m .

The Bronze Pizza is sister location The Bronze Tap which opened recently Terminal3nearGateK4 serving breakfast favorites classic bar food lunch dinner full bar

“Bringing The Bronze Pizza The Bronze Tap O’Hare incredible opportunity share vision hospitality travelers around world” says Chef Erick Williams Chef Owner Virtue Hospitality Group “Both concepts rooted quality comfort sense place — whether grabbing handcrafted pizza made thoughtfully sourced ingredients unwinding great drink flight want every guest experience warmth excellence define approach food service even go”