Fulton Market Could Be Getting A New Food Hall, Thanks To 'Time Out Chicago' Publisher
By Stephen Gossett in Food on Jun 6, 2017 8:40PM
The ongoing food-hall craze in Chicago shows no sign of abating. And neither does the transformation of Fulton Market from its food-production roots to its food-consumption present. So you probably won't be surprised to hear that a food hall is reportedly being planned for the booming foodie-focused neighborhood, but you might be surprised at who's apparently behind it: Time Out Group, the publishers of our city's own Time Out Chicago culture/A&E guide.
The media company hasn't confirmed yet any plans, so details are scant; but the group is reportedly eyeing a two-level, 30,000-square-foot building space at West Fulton Market and North Sangamon Street, sources for the Tribune told the paper.
Time Out launched a successful food hall in Lisbon called Time Out Market back in 2014. According to its website, it has two dozen restaurants, eight bars, 12 shops and a music venue. (The Tribune notes that the potential Chicago site is considerably smaller than that flagship.) Time Out plans to launch a stateside market in Miami Beach plus one in London and another in Portugal.
"Our first market in Lisbon has been a major success story both for us and, most importantly, for the city itself. So rolling out Time Out Market in select international locations is a priority for us," a Time Out spokesperson told Chicagoist by email. "We don’t comment on rumors but what we can say is that we continue to scope new locations in great foodie destinations around the world to bring together under one roof the best of a city: its best restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences."
As you've surely noticed, food halls (think food courts, but you know, with fancier options) are quite the rage here in town. Most recently, Lakeview Market announced plans for Broadway and Sheridan, following in the footsteps of Revival Hall, Latinicity and the Loop's forthcoming Wells St. Market. You can check out the Trib's original story here while you wait for more details.