UNITED CENTER JOINT VENTURE DEBUTS MAD WEST
In partnership with Dark Matter Coffee, Heisler Hospitality and Levy, the United Center Joint Venture officially announced today the opening of Mad West – an all-day quick serve food and beverage concept – to open to the public on Friday, March 16.
Mad West, accessible via the public atrium, introduces a new angle on food and beverage offerings at the United Center. Inspired by elements of Chicago’s Near West Side, the space is designed with common brick and murals by well-known local artists JC Rivera and Slang, creating a casual, creative vibe for fans and visitors alike.
Mad West will offer a variety of beverages made with Dark Matter’s signature espresso Unicorn Blood, including Agave Latte, Mayan Mocha and more. Dark Matter selections will also include draft coffee options like their signature Chocolate City, and a rotation of experimental collaborations, barrel aged, and cask-conditioned coffees.
Partnering on concept development, Heisler Hospitality and Chef Dan Snowden curated a unique menu to match the overall street aesthetic in Mad West. The menu, influenced by street food and street fair culture, highlights the use of a bread pocket referred to as bing. Bing, transformed by Chef Snowden, is a bread pocket that acts as a vessel for meat and fresh vegetables to fit Mad West’s grab and go style, while maintaining five-star flavors.
Mad West joins the United Center’s evolving food and beverage programs – Chicago’s Plate and Chicago Pours – bringing together top local food and beverage vendors under one roof to enhance the fan experience and will be accessible to visitors daily. Hours of operation are as follows:
- Non-Event Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Event Day Hours: 10 a.m. – one hour post event
For more information, fans can visit UnitedCenter.com/Dining and follow the United Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
MEDIA NOTE: For Mad West photos, menu, logo and more, please click here.
Joe Myhra, Vice President – Business Affairs, United Center:
“We are excited to be able to team up with such a talented and passionate group of local partners. Pulling in the best from each group, we have curated a very accessible and dynamic blend of food and beverage offerings. We feel this unique concept and location within the United Center pushes the envelope on expectations and rivals that of
which can be found anywhere else on Chicago’s Near West Side. We encourage fans and visitors to check it out.”
Jesse Diaz, President and Founder – Dark Matter Coffee:
“In 1966, the year the Chicago Bulls were founded, The Beatles released "Yesterday and Today" one of the most progressive albums & covers of its time. Born in Rock Island, IL in 1983, I grew up watching the dynasty change basketball as we know it. Now in 2018, all of us at Dark Matter Coffee are honored to be a part of the new atrium. Just thinking about Yesterday and Today brings such pride and anticipation for what tomorrow never knows.”
Matt Eisler, Partner – Heisler Hospitality:
“Heisler’s formula for success has been to create thoughtful drinking and dining concepts, designed specifically for the location. We're honored to be doing just that alongside the United Center and Levy, to introduce a distinct concept that will undoubtedly elevate the fan experience."
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About United Center
The United Center is a state-of-the-art, multi-use entertainment facility that has welcomed more than 55 million fans since opening in 1994. Home of the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League, the United Center hosts more than 200 events each year, including the best sporting events, musical performers, family shows, and special events in the industry. A commitment to superior service makes the United Center one of the top venues in the world. For more information, visit www.unitedcenter.com.
About Dark Matter Coffee
Founded in 2007 in Chicago's Humboldt Park community, Dark Matter Coffee has developed a program focused on honesty, creativity, and social responsibility. Our innovative culinary family continues its education by exploring High Concept coffees that feature cask conditioning, experimental fermentation, and new genetics. Our farm relationships in Central and South America yield fair business practices, sourcing transparency, and unparalleled quality control: a difference that can be tasted in every cup.
About Heisler Hospitality
Helmed by well-known hospitality entrepreneur Matt Eisler and renowned designer Kevin Heisner, Heisler creates unique, concept-driven drinking and dining establishments. Taking an unconventional and organic approach towards each individual project while infusing their distinctive sensibilities, Heisler develops award-winning concepts that are current, refined, and timeless. Together, they have not only become known for their forward-thinking projects, but also for their efforts to mentor and champion the people they work with. The Heisler portfolio currently includes Bar DeVille, The Revel Room, Sportsman’s Club, Lone Wolf, Pub Royale, Queen Mary, Estereo, Bad Hunter, Regards to Edith and Prairie School. Read more at www.heislerhospitality.com.