Perform Properties announced that Catalog at Willis Tower, the 300,000-square-foot, five-story dining, retail and immersive-entertainment experience located within the base of the Chicago tower, has signed leases with popular eateries Cava, Mendocino Farms and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
“When we designed Catalog, our intention was to curate an array of offerings unique to the Loop neighborhood,” said Morgan Monroe, vice president of leasing for Perform Properties. “We are proud to add Cava, Mendocino Farms, and Van Leeuwen to the mix, furthering our commitment to delivering an unmatched experience for our tenants and visitors.”
Cava, the Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, will be located in Catalog’s main entrance on Jackson Boulevard occupying 3,156 square feet. It is expected to open in late 2025 and will be the retailer’s first location within the Loop.
“Cava’s concept of serving satisfying flavors rooted in Mediterranean hospitality and human connection make us a great fit for Catalog at Willis Tower, where Chicagoans can gather for a shared meal.” said Gino Carlin, regional director at Cava. “We are thrilled to welcome more of the Chicago community to our table and will continue to deliver our mission of bringing heart, health and humanity to food as we grow our presence in this market.”
Known for its diverse menu of seasonal farm-fresh, chef-crafted sandwiches and salads, Mendocino Farms will be 3,012 square feet and feature a patio. The restaurant is expected to open in October 2025 and will be the second location in the city. The store will be Mendocino Farms’ first kiosk-supported concept.
“We’ll be introducing kiosk-enabled options at Willis Tower for the first time so our guests can spend less time ordering and more time connecting,” said Kevin Miles, CEO of Mendocino Farms. “We look forward to introducing Chicago to our gourmet sandwiches, salads, and more.”
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the New York City-born ice cream brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice cream, will open its first scoop shop in Chicago in late Summer 2025. Van Leeuwen began as a yellow scoop truck on the streets of NYC in 2008. Located along Franklin Street and accessible within Level 1 of Catalog, the shop will be 1,721 square feet. The store is expected to open later this year, and additional locations in Chicago will be announced.
“Breaking into the Midwest with Chicago as our first stop just feels right,” said Ben Van Leeuwen, CEO and co-founder of Van Leeuwen. We’re not just opening another shop; we’re bringing our obsession with making the absolute best ice cream possible to a community that really gets food.”
The eateries join Rick Bayless’ Tortazo, Lettuce Entertain You’s Sushi-San, Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken and Brown Bag Seafood Co., among others at Willis Tower.
