Second Chicago Vapiano Hits The Loop Today

Having served the Lincoln Park crowd its "fresh casual" food for the last two years, Vapiano is expanding the concept to the downtown scene beginning today. The Vapiano team, helmed by CEO Bill Bessette, hopes the location in the former Carson Pirie Scott building across from the Palmer House Hilton will be a good fit for their fast casual "chip card" system.

This location is large, holding 195 seats indoor and on a 60-seat sidewalk patio. A full bar is also included in the design. The look is also a little different, with more windows creating a brighter space in addition to upscale features for the business, tourist, and theater crowds.

Some of the menus, posted below, offer a few items that are unique to the Loop location. But the idea remains the same: affordable ($7.95 to $12.95) European-inspired entrees served quickly in a "swipe and go" fashion. Vapiano has more than 130 locations worldwide.

· All Vapiano Coverage [-ECHI-]
· Vapiano International [Official Site]