1. Food hall meets hotel
The five-stall Showroom Food Hall at the new Marriott Marquis in Chicago is aiming to draw convention-goers from the nearby McCormick Place convention center. But operators hope the mix of a coffee counter and bar as well as stalls selling pizza, sandwiches and loaded potatoes will bring in neighborhood residents and area workers during all dayparts, especially as it sits in an area with few food options. The space includes table and counter seating, and all menu items are off-premise friendly as well, providing options for those looking to grab-and-go or sit a bit. One stall even has a nod to the Chicago neighborhood of Pilsen, known for its Mexican community, with the This Little Piggy Went to Pilsen sandwich loaded with al pastor pork, pineapple hot sauce and achiote aioli.