Two major urban food halls operated by Time Out Market are shutting their doors on January 23, marking a significant retreat for the high‑profile food and drink concept in the United States. The closures affect locations in Chicago’s Fulton Market district and Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, leaving only one remaining U.S. outpost.
What is the Time Out Market?
Time Out Market is a premium food hall concept launched by the London‑based Time Out Group, the media company known for city guides and cultural coverage. The idea originated with the first market in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2014, where local chefs, artisans and bartenders were curated under one roof to showcase the “best of the best” in food and drink. That flagship location became a major tourist draw, inspiring expansions to cities including New York, Miami, Boston and Chicago.
At each market, visitors can sample a diverse range of locally acclaimed restaurants and bars in one place, blending fast‑casual service with high culinary standards. Boston’s food hall spanned about 27,000 square feet and featured roughly 15 vendors and two bars, while Chicago’s Fulton Market site occupied about 50,000 square feet, with a mix of local food stalls and drink concepts.
A brief history in Chicago and Boston
Boston: The Fenway location opened in 2019 in the ground floor of 401 Park Drive, a former Sears warehouse reimagined as part of the neighborhood’s revitalization. It quickly became one of the city’s largest food halls, attracting both visitors and locals for its curated offerings.
Chicago: Similarly, the Chicago market debuted in 2019 in the bustling Fulton Market district, positioned as a centerpiece of the city’s dynamic food scene and a gathering spot for workers, residents and tourists alike.
Why are the markets closing?
The closures are rooted in a combination of post‑pandemic realities and financial pressures:
- Reduced foot traffic: Both locations struggled to sustain consistent visitor numbers, particularly on weekdays, as hybrid work patterns limited downtown office crowds.
- Rising operating costs: Higher labor, rent and supply costs made it difficult to maintain. (Many other Massachusetts-based food and beverage facilities have been closing for similar reasons.)
Impact and what’s next
The closures affect more than a dozen local operators and leave large, prominent spaces in prime urban neighborhoods empty. In Chicago, building owners are already exploring new uses, ranging from retail and experiential concepts to other food‑and‑beverage models.
For vendors, the shutdowns mean finding new homes or pivoting to standalone operations. For patrons, it’s the end of a distinctive place where food, drink and culture once converged under one roof.
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