Elevating lunch breaks: Willis Tower adds flavor in 2025 with three new restaurants

In an exciting development for Chicago food enthusiasts, new dining options are coming to Catalog at Willis Tower, marking a significant culinary expansion in 2025. Known for its innovative retail and dining space, Catalog announced in a statement on BusinessWire that it will soon welcome CAVA, Mendocino Farms, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, bringing fresh and diverse flavors to the Loop.

CAVA, a fast-casual restaurant celebrated for its Mediterranean-inspired menu, is set to make its Loop debut by late 2025. Covering 3,156 square feet, CAVA will be located at the main entrance on Jackson Boulevard. Gino Carlin, Regional Director at CAVA, emphasized his shared meal philosophy in the company’s announcement, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome more of the Chicago community to our table and will continue to deliver our mission of bringing heart, health, and humanity to food."

Mendocino Farms will also join the Willis Tower dining scene with an opening scheduled for October 2025. According to the press release, the space on Wacker Drive will be 3,012 square feet, featuring a patio and the first kiosk-enabled ordering system for the brand. Kevin Miles, CEO of Mendocino Farms, said in the announcement, "As our team shares our passion for great food with our new neighbors in Illinois, we’ll be introducing kiosk-enabled options at Willis Tower for the first time so our guests can spend less time ordering and more time connecting."

Completing the trio is Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, known for its artisanal dairy and vegan ice creams. This Chicago debut will open its doors in late summer 2025, offering a creative range of flavors in a 1,721 square-foot space on Franklin Street.

Executives from the brands expressed enthusiasm about becoming part of the iconic building's community in the company’s announcement. Ben Van Leeuwen, CEO and co-founder of Van Leeuwen, noted the significance of expanding to the Midwest, saying, "Breaking into the Midwest with Chicago as our first stop just feels right."

This lineup of popular eateries joins an already impressive roster at Willis Tower, including favorites like Rick Bayless' Tortazo and Sweetgreen. With its LEED Platinum certification, the tallest building in the US offers spectacular views and a dynamic destination for locals and tourists alike.