Farehouse O’Hare PLAZA
Located within the bustling O’Hare Plaza business community, Farehouse O’Hare Plaza stands as a modern café and restaurant experience designed to elevate the daily life of tenants and visitors alike. When Quest joined the partnership, the shared goal was to reimagine the space into more than just a dining destination. It would become a hub of connection, culture, and creativity.
In collaboration with The Farehouse brand, Quest helped launch a refreshed culinary vision that blends chef driven menus, lively social programming, and exceptional hospitality. Today, Farehouse O’Hare Plaza delivers an experience that not only satisfies guests but also enriches the overall workplace community.
The Problem
When Quest arrived at O’Hare Plaza, the café and restaurant was undergoing a major transformation. The property’s ownership sought to reposition the space as a modern amenity for tenants and to establish a cohesive identity that matched the energy of the newly developed office environment.
Key challenges included:
- Ongoing Construction – Quest joined during an active construction phase, requiring close collaboration to align culinary design with the evolving physical buildout.
- Brand Reinvention – The café needed a new concept that would resonate with tenants and drive daily engagement beyond standard food service.
- Limited Community Activation – The previous provider offered limited programming and lacked the creative engagement that builds community and loyalty among tenants.
The vision was clear: create a culinary and social experience that would reflect the character of O’Hare Plaza, engage tenants beyond mealtime, and make The Farehouse a signature feature of the property.
Quest’s Solution
Quest approached the opportunity with a focus on innovation, partnership, and placemaking, transforming The Farehouse into a vibrant destination that connects food, culture, and community.
A Fresh Culinary Identity
Quest collaborated with The Farehouse brand to design a menu that balances consistency with creativity. The café now features seasonal rotations and weekly specials that showcase fresh ingredients and reflect the diverse tastes of the building’s tenants.
Signature items such as the Farehouse Burger served with house made chips have become guest favorites, while the addition of a build your own salad bar and an outdoor grill introduced interactive dining elements that bring energy to the space.
At the coffee shop, Quest implemented seasonal coffee beverages and a rotating selection of grab and go items, ensuring offerings remain fresh, relevant, and aligned with tenant preferences.
A Vibrant Community Hub
What truly distinguishes The Farehouse is its transformation into a social centerpiece for O’Hare Plaza. Quest and building management partnered to create a full calendar of events that extend far beyond dining.
These include:
- Monthly live music happy hours that create opportunities for tenants to unwind and connect.
- Sip and paint sessions and Latin dance nights, adding creativity and culture to the workplace experience.
- Trivia events and seasonal celebrations that build camaraderie across the tenant community.
Notably, the Latin dance nights are generously led by one of the tenants, illustrating how the community itself has embraced and expanded the program. These events have developed a loyal following, with regular attendees bringing new colleagues each month, creating an authentic sense of connection.
A Space with Flexibility and Purpose
To maximize value, Quest and the property team expanded use of The Farehouse beyond traditional hours. The space is now available for after hours and weekend event rentals, serving as a venue for corporate gatherings, private parties, and tenant celebrations.
This added functionality has strengthened The Farehouse’s role as both a café and a community asset, an adaptable environment that serves the needs of tenants throughout the week.
The Result
The transformation of Farehouse O’Hare Plaza has been both measurable and visible.
Strong Sales Growth
Through expanded offerings, enhanced programming, and stronger tenant relationships, sales increased by more than two hundred thirty thousand dollars in one year, positioning The Farehouse as a highly valued amenity within the property.
Elevated Tenant Experience
The café at O’Hare Plaza now serves as a central gathering place where tenants connect over food, music, and shared experiences. Regular guests cite both the delicious menu and the events as reasons they look forward to being on site.
Enhanced Community Engagement
Farehouse O’Hare Plaza has become a model of how workplace dining can build culture. By hosting regular live events and fostering collaboration among tenants, the café contributes to a more vibrant and connected workplace environment.
Partnership Built on Collaboration
The success of this amenity reflects Quest’s ongoing partnership with building ownership and tenants. Through consistent communication, shared goals, and a willingness to evolve, the program continues to exceed expectations.
The partnership between Quest and O’Hare Plaza showcases what is possible when culinary innovation and community building come together. What began as a café and restaurant renovation has grown into a thriving tenant experience program that delivers exceptional food, energizing events, and meaningful connections.
Key outcomes include:
Looking ahead, the Quest team plans to expand reach even further through external catering and increased conference room bookings, strengthening the restaurant’s role as a cornerstone of the O’Hare Plaza experience.