Chicago’s Latest Food Hall Coming to South Loop Skyscraper

A new two-level food hall is slated to open in the fall inside a South Loop skyscraper, a rare entry for the genre south of Madison Street. DMK Restaurants will manage the space, called Hayden Hall, in partnership with developer John Buck Co. The Tribune reported that it’ll have more than 12 vendors including a Werewolf Coffee, a second location of DMK’s coffeeshop off Elston Avenue near Lincoln Park. DMK co-founder David Morton told the paper that the hall will feature a blend of DMK bars and restaurants complemented by concepts from other companies.

The hall will occupy part of the first-floor lobby and the entire second floor of the 45-story tower at 333 S. Wabash Avenue. That’s the red building that used to house CNA Financial’s headquarters. Morton, who wasn’t immediately reached for comment, told the paper that he hoped to make the space attractive to customers both day and night. Many Chicago food halls don’t serve dinner as they only cater to downtown workers during lunch hour. Revival Food Hall in the Loop has tried to draw customers with DJs playing music at night and special events.

DMK restaurants include Ada Street and Fort Willow (both near the proposed Lincoln Yards site), DMK Burger Bar/Fish Bar in Lakeview, the newly reopened County BBQ in Little Italy, and Henry’s in River North. Hayden isn’t the only food hall coming to the South Side. Away from downtown, work continues on One Eleven Food Hall in Pullman. The project is now slated for an April debut, according to project consultant James Gray.

Co-founder Michael Kornick deferred to Morton for comment. A DMK rep also didn’t immediately respond for a request for comment. The story will be updated if additional info becomes available.