Local favourites: Home Run Inn and Harry Caray’s Shortstop unveiled at Chicago Midway International

US. Two local food & beverage concessions, Home Run Inn and Harry Caray’s Shortstop, have been unveiled at Chicago Midway International Airport.

Home Run Inn, a pizzeria, is the 21st concession location to open as part of a three-year, US$75 million commercial expansion at the airport.

The Home Run Inn, seen being officially opened here, specialises in pizzas made using a family recipe dating back to 1947

A family-owned business founded by Italian natives Mary and Vincent Grittani, Home Run Inn began as a small tavern on Chicago’s South Side. The inspiration for its name came when a baseball from the neighbourhood park smashed through one of the windows.

Today, the business operates nine Chicago locations and has been named one of “20 Great Spots to Taste Real Chicago Pizza: Tavern-Style Thin Crust” by Eater Chicago.

Meanwhile, Harry Caray’s Shortstop was named after the late, well-known baseball announcer for both the Chicago White Sox (1971-1981) and the Chicago Cubs (1982-1998).  The first Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse opened back in 1987 in Chicago’s North River area. Owner Harry Carray’s Restaurant Group now runs seven restaurants, an offsite catering company and the Chicago Sports Museum.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Harry Caray’s Shortstop marks the 22nd retail and dining opening at Chicago Midway within the last three years

The new menu at Harry Caray’s Shortstop in Chicago Midway includes a wide range of appetisers, entrées, desserts and snacks. There are also breakfast options and a full service bar.

Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said: “I applaud the CDA Concessions and Midway Partnership teams for optimising space in the concourse to include two additional restaurants, specifically these iconic, local brands. We are committed to enhancing travellers’ experience at Midway International Airport, and this is just one element of our overall strategy.”

The concessions upgrade is part of the ongoing Midway Modernization Program, a near US$400 million investment, the largest improvement programme at the airport in nearly two decades. When complete, it is expected to have created more than 2,500 jobs.

Midway Partnership CEO Sammy Patel said: “Home Run Inn and Harry Caray’s Shortstop truly showcase Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene, and these additions are the latest development in our commitment to revolutionise the eating and shopping experience at Midway. Along with our partners at North American Concessions, SSP America, and the Chicago Department of Aviation, we are ready to welcome visitors and locals alike.”

NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes FAB, the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. The FAB Newsletter is published every two weeks and The FAB eZine every month.

Please send all news of food & beverage outlet openings, together with images, menus, video etc to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com to ensure unrivalled global exposure.

The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. FAB 2019 was held in June in Dallas, hosted by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The Moodie Davitt Report is currently seeking a host for the 2020 and 2021 events. Please contact Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for details.

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