by Chicago, Illinois — A new dining concept blending a sandwich shop, butcher counter, and specialty market has opened in downtown Chicago, offering Loop workers a fresh option for lunch — and possibly dinner ingredients on the way home.
The new spot, Fatback, sits at 176 West Wacker Drive and comes from chef Charlie McKenna and The Fifty/50 Group. The concept aims to solve a common downtown challenge: finding a quick but high-quality lunch while also offering take-home items for later meals.
The shop is designed as a “desk-to-dinner” stop where customers can grab chef-driven sandwiches at lunch and pick up premium ingredients for dinner.
The 1,800-square-foot restaurant and market officially opened its doors this week in Chicago’s Loop.
Chef-driven sandwiches headline the menu
Fatback focuses heavily on sandwiches inspired by international flavors and fine-dining techniques.
Chef McKenna, known for his work in acclaimed kitchens, designed the menu to deliver elevated ingredients in a fast, lunchtime-friendly format.
Some of the standout sandwich options include:
- Jambon Sandwich with Lady Edison country ham and whole-grain mustard beurre
- Spicy ’Nduja Grilled Cheese finished with Maldon salt
- Cochon Sandwich stacked with porchetta, tasso ham, and French raclette
- Roasted Yellow Beet Sandwich with labneh and za’atar for vegetarian diners
The goal, according to the team behind the concept, is to offer restaurant-quality flavors in convenient handheld form.
Salads and sides round out the lunch menu
While sandwiches are the main attraction, Fatback also offers a range of sides and salads designed to complement the menu.
One option is a tahini Caesar salad topped with sesame dukkah, while another grain-based salad combines quinoa with pomegranate.
The rotating side menu may feature items such as:
- Carrot râpée with cumin and honey
- Vodka tomato soup
- Seasonal vegetable dishes
These additions provide lighter options for diners who may want something other than a sandwich during the lunch rush.
Rotisserie chicken program adds centerpiece item
Beyond sandwiches and sides, Fatback highlights a French-style rotisserie chicken program using premium Regalis Ivory chicken.
The chicken is prepared using a specialized cooking process intended to elevate the familiar grocery-store rotisserie bird into something more chef-driven.
This offering serves as another grab-and-go option for customers heading home after work.
Market and butcher counter offer take-home ingredients
Fatback also doubles as a small neighborhood market, with shelves and coolers stocked with premium items customers can purchase.
The market side of the business offers butcher cuts, deli meats, pantry staples, and specialty products.
Available products include items from popular brands and local favorites such as:
- Lillie’s Q sauces
- Tempesta charcuterie
- Torres chips
- Think jerky
- Caruso’s giardiniera
The store also carries canned cocktails and select wine bottles from My Dearest Friend Wines.
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The idea is to make it easy for commuters to pick up quality ingredients on the way home.
Designed to encourage connection around food
Chef McKenna says the concept was designed not only around food but also around interaction between customers and the people preparing it.
“Fatback is about the human element of dining,” McKenna said in a statement. “It’s the reason to leave your desk at noon and talk to the person who brined your turkey or smoked your pastrami.”
He said the goal is to combine convenience with craftsmanship.
Interior blends butcher-shop style with modern design
Inside the space, Fatback mixes traditional butcher-shop aesthetics with contemporary touches.
The design includes:
- Exposed piping and industrial elements
- Globe-style lighting
- Botanical wall art
- Window counters and café seating
- Booths for longer lunch visits
The layout is intended to accommodate both quick takeout orders and sit-down lunch breaks.
Hours and special opening during St. Patrick’s Day festivities
Fatback will typically operate Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., catering primarily to downtown professionals.
However, the restaurant plans a special weekend opening tied to one of Chicago’s most famous celebrations.
Because the location sits near the Chicago River, the shop plans to open on Saturday during the city’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, when crowds gather to watch the river dyed green.
The timing could make Fatback a convenient stop for visitors looking for food before or after the celebrations.
Would you try a “sandwich shop and butcher market” concept like this in your city? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
