Time Out Market Chicago: Iconic food hall announces closure

Chicago’s vibrant West Loop dining scene is about to lose a major destination: Time Out Market Chicago has announced it will close permanently on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, after nearly seven years in the Fulton Market District.

Opened in 2019 at 916 West Fulton Market, the sprawling 50,000-square-foot food hall quickly became known for bringing together some of the city’s most exciting chefs and culinary concepts, including Chef Art Smith's Sporty Bird, under one roof. Guests could choose from more than a dozen eateries, sip drinks at multiple bars, enjoy live events and take in city views from a rooftop terrace, all in a lively, casual setting designed to show off Chicago’s food and culture.

Why It’s Closing

According to the company’s announcement and reporting from multiple local outlets, Time Out Group cited persistent operational challenges in the post-pandemic era as key reasons for the closure:

• Inconsistent foot traffic as more people work remotely and downtown office crowds have not fully returned.
• Rising operating costs that made it difficult for the market to remain profitable.

Time Out Market CEO Michael Marlay said in a statement that while the Chicago location has recovered and grown since reopening after pandemic slowdowns, the inconsistent weekday “footfall” and increased expenses ultimately made sustained profitability impossible. He thanked Chicagoans for their support, as well as the vendors and chefs who brought the space to life as stated in Time Out Worldwide.

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After the Market Closes

Time Out Group will continue operating Time Out Chicago as a digital media brand focused on the city’s food, entertainment and cultural scenes even after the physical market closes as mentioned in Time Out Worldwide.

The closure also affects numerous local vendors who operated within the market. Some, like Tacotlan co-owners, have said they are working to place staff at other locations as they adjust to the change according to ABC7 Chicago.

A Changing Landscape for Food Halls

The shuttering of Time Out Market Chicago reflects broader challenges for large urban food halls that opened in the late 2010s and early 2020s — many of which relied on dense weekday crowds and lunchtime traffic that were disrupted by the pandemic and shifting work habits.

Local residents and patrons have expressed sadness on social media and neighborhood forums, noting the market was not only a place to eat but also a social hub for groups and visitors alike. (reddit.com)

Final Days

As Chicago prepares to say goodbye, food lovers are making plans to visit their favorite stalls and savor one last bite from a venue that, at its peak, captured the diversity and creativity of the city’s culinary identity.

Source Links

https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/14/time-out-market-to-close-in-fulton-market/

https://www.timeout.com/chicago/news/time-out-market-chicago-announces-that-its-last-day-open-in-the-city-will-be-january-23-011426-1

https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/time-out-market-chicago-to-close-permanently/