Field Museum Signs Deal With Aramark

Chicago's Field Museum has signed a deal with Aramark to make it the museum's exclusive hospitality partner. Under terms of the agreement, Aramark will manage the food and beverage programs, including restaurant, retail dining and catering operations, beginning this month.

The museum says it plans to work with Aramark to re-imagine the Museum's overall dining and catering experience. Plans include introducing new dining concepts and developing new seasonal menus that use fresh, sustainable ingredients from local farmers and purveyors.

The two new restaurants, The Field Bistro and Explorer Cafe, will incorporate features that promote the museum's conservation mission, such as water reduction as well as energy, water and air quality.

A highlight of The Field Bistro on the main level will be the World Grill, which will showcase dishes from around the world that will serve as a way of bringing the Museum's permanent exhibitions to life. Explorer Cafe on the ground level will feature a family friendly menu and decor, including an outdoor patio.

"The Field Museum is very pleased to have Aramark on board to provide exciting, high quality dining options for our visitors and staff," says Field Museum Senior Vice President Laura Sadler. "The new restaurants will reflect the Museum's focus on international cultures and will be in line with our efforts to use sustainable products."

"The Field Museum is a Chicago landmark and one of the country's pre-eminent cultural institutions and we look forward to enhancing the visitor experience with new and innovative culinary offerings and exemplary customer service," notes Aramark Parks and Destinations President Bruce Fears. "Whether visiting for the day, taking a class field trip or attending a special event, our goal is to create a world-class food and beverage program that offers something for all museum guests to enjoy."

Following the opening of The Field Bistro in mid-November, work will begin on the new Explorer Cafe, with an anticipated opening of April 2014.