2. New food hall, with a cashless twist
The pace of new food hall openings around the country is staggering, and it’s rare to find one that’s doing much by way of innovation. But Chicago’s latest food hall, Forum 55, is shaking up the format with kiosk-based ordering and cashless operation. After choosing a meal from one of the hall’s 10 vendors, diners receive a receipt with a number. The number appears on the screen, or via phone as a text notification, when the order’s ready. The food hall also promises to devote one station to a rotating concept run by women or people of color.