Kraft Heinz’s Away From Home (AFH) division envisioned a culinary hub in the heart of Chicago—a space to develop recipes in a fully equipped test kitchen, showcase their products, and host tastings for clients.
The challenge was finding a location that seamlessly balanced functionality, brand representation, and budget constraints while also feeling like a bespoke destination. In collaboration with Kraft Heinz, we evaluated eight potential downtown locations carefully analyzing each site for its ability to meet their goals within budget.
The ideal space was found at Metra Market, conveniently located within the vibrant Ogilvie Station complex.
The 1,804-square-foot former restaurant space offered a compelling combination of existing infrastructure and character, making it a natural fit for Kraft Heinz’s vision. Retaining key elements like back-of-house equipment and built-in banquettes we transformed the space into a modern, multi-functional culinary center. The space features a full kitchen, modular tables and seating for flexible configurations, a u-shaped banquette that doubles as a conference area, and AV equipment to enhance the client experience.
The completed AFH Culinary Center is a vibrant hub designed for innovation, collaboration, and client engagement. By maximizing the existing space’s assets, we delivered a cost-effective, high-impact solution that aligns with Kraft Heinz’s business objectives.