PlantX, the digital face of the plant-based community, announced in late June that it has engaged the Macromia Group, a restaurant developer specializing in building high-end dining and retail locations, to help complete construction and operate PlantX’s innovative XMarket Vegan Food Hall in Chicago. PlantX is planning a soft launch August 23rd, and a grand opening on Labor Day Weekend
The Chicago food scene, a very rich and diverse mouth-watering temptation
The Chicago food scene is extremely rich and diverse. In its around 100 neighborhoods, one can find food for every taste, every occasion and every pocket. The choice is overwhelmingly big, since, according to the state website, there are over 7,300 restaurants in the Windy City – without counting non-traditional eateries like food stands, trucks, and take-away spots that make the Chicago food scene so colorful and doubt after.
These restaurants come in every taste, shape, and size. Whether you’re looking for some fine dining, a good place to savor some enchiladas, or sample vegetarian dishes, there’s something for everyone. To make matters even more interesting, the Michelin Guide has been focusing on Chicago’s high-end restaurants since 2011.
The Michelin-starred restaurants can be found in neighborhoods throughout the City, more than you can fit in a day of food tours. And, of course, reservations have to be made months ahead. Last year, the Michelin Guide added four One Michelin Star restaurants to Chicago’s list of starred eateries, as well as seven new Bib Gourmand recipients, highlighted for their particularly interesting value.
In total, 23 restaurants are on the list, including Alinea, led by chefs Grant Achatz and Douglas Alley, which has earned Three Michelin Stars and has maintained its exceptional level of quality for 11 years, since the first edition of the Michelin Guide Chicago in 2011.
For those who are looking to experience the Chicago food scene on a more approachable level, there are plenty of options. One can find every type of ethnic cuisine, since Chicago is a very diverse cityPeople who want to enjoy a good meal with their four-legged friends can do so, since there are 144 dog-friendly restaurants in the Windy City.
This year you have more destinations to check out if you are a foodie. Chicago restaurants, or a few of their chefs, took home the top prize in two categories of the James Beard Awards. Of course, many of these fine establishments are offering vegan options or even a full menu, but there seems to be room for more, and PlantX is here to prove just that.
What can Chicagoans who love plant-based food expect from PlantX
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, the 6,500 square foot food hall will feature a central bar with vegan bar food and vegan wine pairings provided by VeganWines.com and a bodega-style grocery store with a cheese monger provided by Good Planet. There will be six unique concepts including a coffee roaster featuring PlantX’s own Portfolio Coffee. The upper level of the location is already home to a state-of-the-art ecommerce distribution facility.
“Chicago has emerged as one of the largest vegan and health-conscious communities in North America, making it an ideal location to introduce our all-in-one vegan food hall concept,” said PlantX CEO, Lorne Rapkin. “In collaboration with Macromia, the master in developing premium concepts that have garnered both a loyal following and critical acclaim, we are planning an amazing culinary experience that will set the standard for food halls for vegans and non-vegans alike. We’re excited for our opening which is only two months away!”
“PlantX is redefining the vegan lifestyle, transforming vegan food and beverage from an afterthought to the main attraction,” commented Macromia CEO Barre Tanguis. “We are eager to work with the PlantX team to help bring their vision of Chicago’s largest vegan food hall to life for vegans, vegetarians and health-conscious consumers in the Windy City all in one vibrant location.”
PlantX is planning a soft launch targeted for August 23 with a grand opening on Labor Day Weekend, to officially become the largest vegan food hall in Chicagoland.
About PlantX Life Inc.
As the digital face of the plant-based community, PlantX’s platform is a one-stop shop for plant-based products. With its fast-growing category verticals, PlantX offers customers across North America more than 5,000 plant-based products. PlantX also has other brands in the PlantX portfolio including a juice brand, a coffee company, a plant shop, and brick-and-mortar grocery stores. PlantX uses its digital platform to build a community of like-minded consumers and, most importantly, to provide education. PlantX’s digital presence eliminates entry barriers for anyone interested in living a plant-based lifestyle and thriving in a longer, healthier, and happier life.
About Macromia Group
Macromia Group specializes in crafting high-end dining and retail locations, from concept to creation. With an impressive track record of successful food hall concepts since 2015, its network of culinary talent spans across multiple cities, including New Orleans, Miami, Houston, and Chicago. Macromia Group, headed by noted chef J.D. Hilburn, partners with emerging chefs to bring their innovative concepts to life, often expanding these culinary experiences beyond their original locations. The firm also operates the popular MIA Market in the Miami Design District and has several openings slated for 2023.
