EQ Office announced that Chicago’s Fifty/50 Group will debut the first full-service restaurant at Willis Tower. Kindling, a char-house style culinary experience, will offer an urban oasis and convivial atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Chicago. Slated for 2022, Fifty/50 Group’s latest concept will occupy a two-story space and outdoor terrace at the corner of Franklin St. and Adams St., as part of Willis Tower’s Catalog, Willis Tower’s expansive and immersive dining, retail and entertainment experience.
The concept will present an engaging style of cooking with a large wood-burning grill that will serve as the hearth and heart of the main floor. Executed by Simeone Deary Design group, patrons will be surrounded by elements of nature and will enjoy curated artwork, lawn games and craft cocktails. On level 2, overlooking Adams Street, guests can take in an unbeatable outdoor dining experience in the Loop.
“Willis Tower is the perfect location for our group’s newest concept as we seek to infuse the sights, sounds, and aromas of the city to bring back warm memories of family and community—something our guests have missed most during the pandemic,” says Scott Weiner, co-owner of the Fifty/50 Group. “Whether you’re a professional looking to entertain, a visitor of the Tower’s world-renowned Skydeck, or resident seeking to rediscover the vibrance of the Loop, we want our guests to be invigorated by our bold flavors and the awe-inspiring views you get from an oasis hidden in between skyscrapers.”
At the core of its menu, the restaurant will emulate Midwestern favorites and thoughtful ingredients at an approachable price point. Guests can expect fare like rotisserie chicken, brisket, and halibut. The cocktail program will reflect the business friendly yet playful atmosphere of the concept, focusing on classics and patio favorites.
“For our first full-service restaurant, we sought out prominent restaurant operators in Chicago that reflect Willis’ ethos and would complement our vision. We met and quickly fell in love with Fifty/50’s concept. The name of the restaurant, Kindling, refers to our shared purpose – to kindle new connections and inspire new relationships,” adds David Moore, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Director at EQ Office. “With a live fire cookout and park-like experience, Kindling will be serving one of a kind dishes while pulsating with spontaneous energy and lively social interaction that you can’t get through Zoom. This is the perfect extension to the kind of experience that we’re creating at Willis for our customers and guests.”
Willis Tower is completing a more than $500 million renovation project, the biggest restorative transformation in the building’s 48-year history. The concept is Catalog’s first full-service restaurant, and joins the Tower’s impressive line-up of culinary offerings, including Rick Bayless’ Tortazo, Lettuce Entertain You’s Sushi-san, Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken, and Brown Bag Seafood Co. Visit www.WillisTower.com for more information.
The Fifty/50 Group is one of Chicago’s fastest growing hospitality groups and owns and operates 14 dynamic restaurants and bars across the city, including the Berkshire Room, West Town Bakery, Utopian Tailgate, and Steadfast.
