ORD Connections - News from the Shops at O'Hare

VOLUME: 2017.04.03

Welcome to our quarterly e-newsletter, Connections!

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America’s Dog: Boss Goes Undercover

The best way to see how things are done...is to do them yourself! That was Zeke Flores’ intent when he made the decision to become an undercover boss.

Zeke, founder and CEO of Flying Concessions, was already an experienced airport concessionaire in retail at O’Hare with Brighton and Brooks Brothers in Terminal 3 and Brookstone in Terminals 1 and 3, and in packaged food and beverage at the Green Market.

But when partnering with America’s Dog two years ago, Zeke rolled up his sleeves, donned an apron and an unassuming demeanor when he took his place behind the counter, and went undercover at America’s Dog.

“When I made the decision to go into food and beverage concessions,” said Zeke, “I was able to partner with the best, the experienced Alpogianis family.” Brothers George and Manolis Alpogianis (and their late father Gus) operate TAG (The Apologianis Group), which owns and operates America’s Dog locations in Chicago at Navy Pier, State and Randolph, the Thompson Center, and O’Hare in Terminal 1, along with the Green Market in Terminal 3 at O’Hare.

“I wanted to come on board with them to learn and grow the food and beverage concessions side of my business,” added Zeke.

Zeke’s Flying Concessions business and his passion to giving back to the community has given him many honors. He has been recognized as an Emerging Leader by the National Latino Education Institute, one of 40 under 40 by Crain’s Chicago Business, one of 40 under 40 by Negocios Now, and the 14 under 40 by DePaul University. Last year, he accepted the 2016 Latino Leaders Maestro Award in the category of Entrepreneurship.

Zeke is an impassioned worker who seeks to help others and his employees.

He went undercover and didn’t tell anyone about his plan. For over two weeks, he did it all - from working the grill and cooking, to serving on the hot dog line and also as the cashier.

What he found were employees who worked very, very hard and were proud of what they did.

“Almost every one of our employees are faithful and committed to their work,” Zeke proudly adds. “I worked along side a single mom who enjoyed flipping burgers and told me more than once how much she ‘loved working here’.”

Zeke found out firsthand why some workers struggled to be on time. “Some would take up to three busses from early in the morning to get to their job,” he said. “Others didn’t even have enough money to pay their fares.”

Zeke himself is a Chicago native and proudly notes that his father once worked as a carpenter at O’Hare. Zeke was always driven, from his beginning career at an accounting firm to working at Sara Lee and seeing how it purchased small, local companies and built them to national brands. His career path led the way to his current success.

All of these experiences led him to deeply care about the education and direction of future employees and how they could bridge the gap, both in his own businesses and others throughout the city he loves.

He is actively involved in “Skills for Chicagoland’s Future”, a public-private partnership, which helps to find, train and build qualified employees for local employers.

Acquiring and retaining quality employees is a top priority for Zeke, so he assists locally and with his own businesses, when helping under-employed find meaningful work.

His experience as an undercover boss fueled Zeke even further to help his employees. He learned firsthand about their dreams and their obstacles to success, making him more determined to make a difference.

By hiring, training, and caring for team members, America’s Dog is sure to offer the best products and customer service at their Terminal 1, Concourse C location.

The next time you stop in at America’s Dog and order your favorite Chicago Dog, see if your server is Zeke going undercover again! You never know.

Straight Talk on Street Pricing

Everybody loves saving money! Right?

Why not take advantage of all the specials and offers that are available exclusively for O’Hare badged employees every single day! What’s stopping you from stretching your shopping dollars?

The large number of O’Hare participating shops and restaurants are always ready to give you a range of discounts from 10-20 percent. Your savings come as easy as showing your badge at the time of purchase and it’s done! And, the savings are real.

There can be misconceptions that prices at O’Hare stores are higher but that’s not true. Through the domestic (T1, T2, T3) concessions’ lease agreements, each must adhere to value pricing. The CDA strives to keep all prices the same, or even lower, than prices found at retailers in downtown Chicago. The prices are all closely monitored and concessionaires must comply.

The same is true of Hudson Group’s Duty Free Stores at O’Hare - operated under the brands Dufry and Nuance - and you are welcome to shop any of their five locations at the airport.

“There was a point in time when duty free products could only be sold to international travelers,” says Kathleen Wolfe, general manager of Hudson Group’s Nuance-Chicago stores. Hudson Group operates Nuance Chicago in five O’Hare locations - four in domestic terminals and one in the international terminal. “Going back in time, you may remember our stores having an employee at the door, asking for a passport and an international boarding pass to enter. That changed in June 2015, when we began selling to all passengers and airport employees.”

Duty free products are governed by US Customs and Border Protection, and there are still many restrictions. For example, they cannot sell tobacco or liquor to domestic passengers.

“With the holiday’s right around the corner, it’s a good reminder to employees as they can take advantage of savings that passengers get, which is up to 10 percent below market value. And they get even more off with their employee discount by showing their employee badge. It’s a win-win,” adds Wolfe.

And that’s not all. Hudson Group operates more than 50 stores at ORD, with branded stores ranging from Dufry and Nuance to Armani, Coach, Ferragamo, MAC Cosmetics, Michael Kors, and Spirit of the Red Horse, just to name a few.

Known for its flagship Hudson News, Hudson Group operates much more than newsstands - and offers high-end products you would typically find at department stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus. And in many of the Duty Free Stores, you’ll find names like Chanel, Gucci, Lancome, Clinique, Estee Lauder, LaMer and Shiseido. Similarly, O’Hare employees can even take advantage of the “gift with purchase” promotions just as you would in the department stores - it’s that simple.

All stores at O’Hare value friendly customer service to all customers - travelers and employees.

With over 40,000 employees at ORD, O’Hare is like a city within a city - a community that supports each other. Many of the Disadvantaged-, Minority-, and Women-Owned businesses at ORD have operators/partners who own 30% of the business. These are local people who take pride in being a part of the retail mix at O’Hare.

As a badged employee, you are able to go throughout the airport to take advantage of the many retail and service options.

So next time you want a special gift or a treat for yourself, family and friends, don’t forget that the stores at O’Hare offer you a wide range of selections, bargains and discounts. Your business is appreciated and you’ll feel like you’re shopping in your own neighborhood.

Discounts are good only at the airport/concourse location described in the offer, which can be changed or discontinued without notice. No cash value. Exclusions include: alcohol, newspapers, magazines, and tobacco products. Discount is valid only on the specific item outlined in offer. No exchanges and not valid on prior purchases. Some restrictions and expiration dates may apply.

Highlighted Specials

In addition to your employee discount, enjoy the following specials as well:

Argo Tea: New Seasonal Offerings - Pumpkin Chai Tea, Tamarind Thai Iced Tea, Pumpkin Latte, Pumpkin Harvest Tea, and Pumpkin Spice Muffin - available through November 11, 2017. Near Gates E5, H1, L2A
Berghoff Cafe: New Special: Jerk Chicken Wrap - Shredded chicken with spicy jerk seasoning, pineapple salsa, coconut rice and shredded lettuce in a tortilla! $13 regular price. Near Gate C26
Brighton: For every 2017 Power of Pink Bracelet, Power of Pink Woodstock Bracelet or Power of Pink Christo Cuff sold, Brighton will donate $10 to breast cancer charities. Shop for a great cause! *Offer expires October 31, 2017* Near Gate H3
CIBO Express Gourmet Market: Think® Jerky sampling 12:00p.m.-3:00p.m. on Wednesday, October 11. Sample your choice of Traditional, Sweet Chipotle, Thanksgiving, or Siracha Honey Jerky! Samples available at Terminal 3 location only - near Gate H1.
Dunkin' Donuts: Download the Dunkin' Donuts app to take advantage of deals and freebies such as: FREE Medium Coffee every time Chicago Bears win a game! *must be purchased using Dunkin' Donuts App* Near Gate H5
Erwin Pearl: Spend $150 or more and receive a FREE Breast Cancer Awareness pin. *Offer expires October 31, 2017* Near Gates B6, H6
Headphone Hub: $50 OFF Sony MDR-XB950N/1 Headphones *Offer expires October 14, 2017*, $100 OFF Parrot Zik 3 Headphones *Offer expires October 31, 2017* and $50 OFF Sol Republic Amps Air Earphones *Offer expires October 31, 2017* Terminal 2 Main Hall
InMotion Entertainment: Sony Speaker Sale - $20 off Sony XB30 Wireless Speaker *Offer expires October 14, 2017*, $50 OFF Sony MDR-XB950N/1 Headphones *Offer expires October 14, 2017*, $100 OFF Parrot Zik 3 Headphones *Offer expires October 31, 2017* and $50 OFF Sol Republic Amps Air Earphones *Offer expires October 31, 2017* Near Gates B7, H2, K12
Johnston & Murphy: Buy one get one 1/2 off on Men's shirts, sweaters and pants! *discount applies to lower priced item* Near Gate B6
Vosges Haut-Chocolat: Halloween Chocolate Skulls. Near Gates B6, H4, M12

*Offers valid for limited time only. Cannot be combined with other offers, not available with vouchers. Offers may change without notice. Exclusions and rules may apply. See an associate for details. Valid only at O’Hare International Airport locations.

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