Three years ago, concessionaires at O’Hare and Midway airports — who either had shut down entirely or saw revenues plummet during the pandemic — got what was supposed to be a temporary lifeline from the city.
Concessionaires who agreed to keep their employees got their rent and fees waived or dramatically reduced. So-called “minimum annual guarantees” were deferred until they reached 75% of pre-pandemic sales — and then were to be re-paid without interest, even after that rebound. Security deposits, letters of credit and maximum operating space requirements were relaxed. Kiosks, food carts and mobile drink dispensers were authorized to boost sales.
