The Dearborn Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri has been named chef partner of the brand’s newest location inside Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5. This airport venture marks a milestone moment for both The Dearborn and Cuschieri, who has been with the brand since its launch in 2016.
Cuschieri has worked under several of the country’s most acclaimed chefs and earned recognition on Zagat’s “30 under 30” (2013) and Eater’s “Young Guns” list (2012), plus appearing on Season 11 of Bravo’s Top Chef (New Orleans, 2013), and Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay (2019, winner). A Detroit native, Cuschieri stepped into The Dearborn’s kitchen to lead its culinary vision. With a background that includes executive roles at Chicago favorites such as Alinea, Takashi, and Slurping Turtle, as well as running kitchens focused on sustainable and inventive cuisines like Kinmont, Cuschieri brings a deep reservoir of experience and creativity to his new role.
As chef partner, Cuschieri brings his decade-long leadership, culinary ingenuity, and deep understanding of The Dearborn’s ethos to the high-traffic, multidimensional airport environment. The new location showcases multiple dining options, from a grab-and-go station and a dedicated pastry window to full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a variety that requires a holistic, elevated approach to food service in a fast-paced setting.
“This opportunity at O’Hare is unlike anything we’ve done before,” says Chef Partner and Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri in a prepared statement. “It’s not just about a single menu anymore. It’s about building a seamless culinary experience across different dining formats, while staying true to what makes The Dearborn special. My focus is on creating original, high-quality food that feels fresh and relevant to our airport guests, without losing sight of the heart and soul we’ve built downtown.”
Cuschieri’s role includes overseeing all culinary operations at Terminal 5 while continuing to shape the menu and food philosophy that has defined The Dearborn’s success for over a decade. As he transitions into this broader leadership role, he’ll keep a close eye on food trends and guest behavior to ensure innovation, consistency, and operational success.
“Chef Aaron’s vision, creativity, and attention to detail has shaped the essence of The Dearborn since day one,” says Amy Lawless, co-proprietor of The Dearborn, in a prepared statement. “He has helped us build something meaningful in the Loop, and now he’s bringing that same heart and standard of excellence to a new international audience at O’Hare airport.”
“Giving Chef Aaron the title of chef partner was more than a promotion, it was a recognition,” adds Clodagh Lawless, co-proprietor of The Dearborn. “He has led like an owner since day one, and his commitment to craft, consistency, and team culture is exactly what he wanted to carry into this next chapter.”
As The Dearborn expands beyond the Loop for the first time, its mission remains the same—to deliver thoughtfully crafted food, genuine hospitality, and a true taste of Chicago. With Cuschieri guiding both locations, The Dearborn continues to prove that elevated dining, and a sense of home is possible, whether downtown or on-the-go.
