José Andrés, chef, entrepreneur and humanitarian, and his company, ThinkFoodGroup, are bringing their mission to change the world through the power of food to the Windy City. The Chicago expansion marks multiple new milestones for the brand: three concepts and the first partnership with another restaurant group, both adding up to an introduction to a new city—expanding the brand’s presence in Chicago with five restaurant openings all within 2021.
“Chicago is one of the top culinary destinations in the world. I can’t think of a better time to open our doors than summertime in Chicago!” Said Chef José Andrés. “My team and I are excited to officially open and join the incredible and diverse food scene in the city.”
The openings kick off with the newest iteration of Andrés’s original and most personal concept: Jaleo. Located at 500 N. Clark Street in River North, the contemporary Spanish destination will open in July. Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of modern-day Spain through an assortment of tapas, paellas, sangrias, Spanish wines and sherries, all within a festive atmosphere. The original Jaleo opened in 1993 in Washington D.C., so this marks the fifth location worldwide, which will be followed by the sixth location in Dubai later this year.
Following Jaleo’s opening, a new speakeasy concept will open later this summer, located directly beneath it. This speakeasy concept will be a first for the brand, offering a variety of experiences. The name and details of its cocktail experience will be announced soon.
Slightly south down the Chicago River, Bazaar Meat and Bar Mar will open their doors in late 2021, located on the second and first floors in the Bank of America Tower. Bazaar Meat will echo the spirit of its predecessor in Las Vegas, bringing a carnivorous celebration to Chicago, while Bar Mar will offer a dedicated cocktail experience. Reminiscent of barmini in Washington D.C. but with the Bazaar’s signature flair and theatrics, Bar Mar represents a third new concept in Chicago for ThinkFoodGroup. In addition, ThinkFoodGroup has opened its first café concept across all of the brand: Café By The River—Chef José Andrés’ take on the classic American coffee shop and gathering space with a touch of his signature Spanish flair, located on the lower level of the building below Bar Mar.
Bazaar Meat, Bar Mar and Café By The River are joint ventures between ThinkFoodGroup and the Chicago family-run brand, Gibsons Restaurant Group. This partnership represents a pairing and growth for ThinkFoodGroup—while Andrés has staked a claim within many hotels across the country, this is his first partnership with another restaurant group.
José Andrés, chef, entrepreneur and humanitarian, and his company, ThinkFoodGroup, are bringing their mission to change the world through the power of food to the Windy City. The Chicago expansion marks multiple new milestones for the brand: three concepts and the first partnership with another restaurant group, both adding up to an introduction to a new city—expanding the brand’s presence in Chicago with five restaurant openings all within 2021.
“Chicago is one of the top culinary destinations in the world. I can’t think of a better time to open our doors than summertime in Chicago!” Said Chef José Andrés. “My team and I are excited to officially open and join the incredible and diverse food scene in the city.”
The openings kick off with the newest iteration of Andrés’s original and most personal concept: Jaleo. Located at 500 N. Clark Street in River North, the contemporary Spanish destination will open in July. Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of modern-day Spain through an assortment of tapas, paellas, sangrias, Spanish wines and sherries, all within a festive atmosphere. The original Jaleo opened in 1993 in Washington D.C., so this marks the fifth location worldwide, which will be followed by the sixth location in Dubai later this year.
Following Jaleo’s opening, a new speakeasy concept will open later this summer, located directly beneath it. This speakeasy concept will be a first for the brand, offering a variety of experiences. The name and details of its cocktail experience will be announced soon.
Slightly south down the Chicago River, Bazaar Meat and Bar Mar will open their doors in late 2021, located on the second and first floors in the Bank of America Tower. Bazaar Meat will echo the spirit of its predecessor in Las Vegas, bringing a carnivorous celebration to Chicago, while Bar Mar will offer a dedicated cocktail experience. Reminiscent of barmini in Washington D.C. but with the Bazaar’s signature flair and theatrics, Bar Mar represents a third new concept in Chicago for ThinkFoodGroup. In addition, ThinkFoodGroup has opened its first café concept across all of the brand: Café By The River—Chef José Andrés’ take on the classic American coffee shop and gathering space with a touch of his signature Spanish flair, located on the lower level of the building below Bar Mar.
Bazaar Meat, Bar Mar and Café By The River are joint ventures between ThinkFoodGroup and the Chicago family-run brand, Gibsons Restaurant Group. This partnership represents a pairing and growth for ThinkFoodGroup—while Andrés has staked a claim within many hotels across the country, this is his first partnership with another restaurant group.
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