Caffé RoM On Board at MetraMarket
Transit-oriented retail center attracts new restaurant concept

CHICAGO – U.S. Equities Realty has signed the first restaurant at MetraMarket, its new transit-oriented West Loop retail and dining development. Caffé RoM, a new concept by Caffé Baci owner Joe DiCarlo and partner James Louras, will combine a European coffee bar, serving specialty coffees, pastries, paninis and gelato, with a contemporary wine bar open late afternoon and into the evening.

Located adjacent to Ogilvie Transportation Center, MetraMarket will transform two underutilized city blocks — between Washington, Lake, Canal and Clinton streets — into a lively hub of street-level shops and restaurants linking the Loop with the rapidly growing Near West neighborhood. The 100,000-square-foot development targets the exploding West Loop residential and office markets, as well as daily commuter traffic. About 95,000 commuters pass through Ogilvie Transportation Center daily, while another 2,260 use the nearby Chicago Transit Authority Green Line station at Lake and Clinton.

“This location gives Caffé RoM ready access to a huge volume of commuters, neighborhood residents and office workers,” said DiCarlo. “We have been working on the Caffé RoM concept for a couple years and believe MetraMarket is an ideal site.”

Pronounced the same as Italy’s capital city, RoM recreates the fine coffee bar experience found in Italy including the design, which features custom-made bars created by the finest Italian designers and craftsmen. Early mornings, RoM will offer a variety of coffees, juices and pastries. Lunch includes a variety of gourmet sandwiches and freshly made salads. Mid-afternoon choices consist of specialty coffee drinks, imported Gelato and fine chocolates with afternoon and evening offerings of wine, beer and specialty items like champagne, Peroni beer and Campari.

“We are excited that MetraMarket will be bringing new concepts to the City, first with the French Market and now with Caffé RoM,” said Camille Julmy, vice chairman of U.S. Equities, the developer and exclusive leasing agent for MetraMarket. “And, we expect to be able to announce another restaurant at the development in the near future.”

Slated for late 2007 opening, Caffé RoM will occupy 2,900 square feet on Canal between Randolph and Washington. Patrons will be able to enter directly from Canal as well as from inside the Metra concourse.

Plans for MetraMarket include additional restaurants, an assortment of retailers and an open public space for dining and socializing, as well as ground-level parking for up to 100 vehicles. Phase I of the development is 50 percent pre-leased.