Soli On The Fly gets licenses for food and liquor at O'Hare Terminal 5
New Capabilities Chicago, IL localAfter failed inspections, re-inspection passes for the new concession
September 16th, 2026: Licenses issuedNew here? Follow stories to track developments over time. Create a free account to get updates when stories you care about change.
Overview
Updated 1 hour agoA new concession called Soli On The Fly has obtained two Chicago business licenses to sell food and packaged liquor at O'Hare's Terminal 5. The licenses were issued Sept. 16 after a re-inspection pass on Sept. 14.
The business still needs to open its doors, but it has cleared the city's inspection hurdles. If it opens, it will add a retail option for travelers in the international terminal.
Why it matters
Travelers in O'Hare Terminal 5 will have a new place to buy snacks and alcohol if this concession opens.
Questions about this story
Free account needed to ask — your question is kept and asked for you right after sign-up. Answers are public.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.
Key Indicators
Voices
Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.
Organizations Involved
The city agency that issues business licences and conducts health and safety inspections.
Operates O'Hare and Midway airports, manages concession contracts.
Timeline
August 2026 September 2026
-
Licenses issued
Latest LicensingChicago issues a retail food license and a packaged liquor license to Soli On The Fly.
-
Re-inspections pass
InspectionBoth re-inspections passed, clearing the way for licensing.
-
Follow-up inspections fail
InspectionTwo inspections both returned 'Fail'.
-
Initial inspections not ready
InspectionTwo inspections at the Terminal 5 location each returned 'Not Ready'.
Scenarios
Soli On The Fly opens in O'Hare Terminal 5
Discussed by: No specific analysts; inferred from the license approval
The business completes any remaining site requirements and begins operations within three months. A pass on the final re-inspection suggests it is close to ready.
Licenses lapse, business fails to open
Discussed by: Chicago's history of delayed airport concessions
The business does not open within six months, possibly due to financing, staffing, or other permits. Chicago's licensing rules allow for revocation if operations do not begin in a reasonable period.
Sources
(2)More from Chicago, IL
Openings, permits and council decisions in Chicago, IL, in your inbox every Monday.
