MIdway's Concession Contracts Up for Bid

By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 21, 2011 9:20PM

If you need further proof we're transitioning from "Mayor Daley's Chicago" to "Mayor Emanuel's Chicago," the City Department of Aviation announced they'll be putting out contracts for bid tomorrow for a dozen restaurant locations in Midway Airport.

The bidding is expected to bring in up to $25 million in sales and $3 million in revenue for the Aviation Department. Concessions revenue is vital for airports like the "World's Busiest Square Mile" as they reduce the amount of landing fees paid out by airlines to cover the operating expenses at Midway.

Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino said she's hoping for a wide range of proposals and is hoping for a few that reflect the diversity and depth of Chicago's food scene. Which would be a nice counter to the Miller's Pub, Superdawg and other options currently available in the main food court and concourses.

Unions concerned the bidding would be the beginning of a renewed push to privatize Midway Airport are already lobbying City Council for an ordinance requiring companies that win concessions contracts to "guarantee jobs to existing workers for up to 90 days and negotiate 'labor peace' agreements to prevent strikes."