A new mission awaits adventure-seekers as Chicago’s newest
experiential attractions, EscapeHouse and SafeHouse Chicago,
gear up for their grand openings in River North.
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 2016--
On orders from Control, top agents have confirmed that legendary
Milwaukee destination (and famous spy refuge), The SafeHouse,
will now expand by creating a covert location in the Windy City this
January. SafeHouse Chicago will maintain the establishment's treasured
50 year legacy while adding upgraded experiences to the new location,
including new technology and a modern design by Chicago’s own
award-winning firm, The Gettys Group. Spies eager to start their mission
prior to the January grand opening will have their chance with the
launch of EscapeHouse Chicago, opening Monday, November 21. The
next evolution of innovative escape games, EscapeHouse immerses
guests into an action-packed, 60-minute adventure, serving as the
perfect precursor to SafeHouse Chicago.
“Who doesn’t want to escape the everyday for an hour or two and become
an international superspy?” says Agent BB, Greg Marcus, President and
CEO of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). “Fascination with the world
of espionage persists in novels and movies, making the SafeHouse and
EscapeHouse concepts ones that will stand the test of time. It is the
world’s second oldest profession.”
While the popularity of room escapes has skyrocketed nationwide, none
compare to the new EscapeHouse Chicago located at 54 E. Ontario Street.
Through elevated design and upgraded finishes, this two room attraction
transforms guests into the heroes of their own story. EscapeHouse was
expertly designed, with upgraded, realistic finishes by Agent Fudd, Paul
Daurio of Creative Development. Agent Fudd also led the team behind The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Universal. Over the course of 60
minutes, agents will be tested on their ability to discover clues, solve
puzzles and work together under pressure. EscapeHouse Chicago will
include two game concepts: Saving the White House, where
participants are secret service agents in training who explore an exact
replica of the Oval Office, right down to the presidential seal on the
ceiling, fusing an educational overlap with stimulating excitement, and Escape
the Safe House, where operatives use methodology, tools and tricks
of espionage to break codes and find clues to become a super spy.
Secretly headquartered below the city streets in the abandoned warrens
of Chicago at 60 E. Ontario Street, the SafeHouse Chicago will fuse
elements from the original Milwaukee location with modern touches. While
the password to enter will remain unchanged, SafeHouse Chicago will
feature upgraded technology, a new agent authentication process, and
interesting seating areas including the soon-to-be infamous cone of
silence booth. Visiting spies will be tasked with locating the
top-secret entrance marked only with a sign for International Exports
Ltd. flanked by two gaslights. Before entering, operatives will be
required to provide the password or perform a top secret clearance test
to gain entry to this newest refuge for spies from around the world.
Once inside, operatives will embark on a one-of-a-kind mission as they
create their own agent name and complete missions while discovering
gadgets and hidden gems.
In addition to upgraded technology, the SafeHouse will reflect more
modern touches and upgraded aesthetics more in line with the 21st
century. The design of the SafeHouse was led by award-winning design
firm, The Gettys Group, and Agent Fudd, Paul Daurio, who designed the
EscapeHouse. The décor will feature original espionage artifacts,
including the flight deck from an authentic spy plane donated by the man
who flew it in WWII, as well as a piece of the Berlin Wall secured from
covert operatives. From the sleek Interpol Bar to the Spybrary,
to the Seduction Lounge and the Interrogation Room, every aspect
of the design has been tinkered, tailored, soldiered, and spied. Interactive
elements such as a Gadget Bar featuring a nightly magician, and
“futuristic” technology, fuse seamlessly in an action-packed atmosphere
where food and signature drinks unite guests as they embark on their
mission.
Every spy needs to eat well. Under orders from Control, the SafeHouse
culinary agents are always on the prowl, tracing the source of local
ingredients and securing them from top suppliers. These ingredients are
then smuggled into the SafeHouse and hand-assembled into fresh dishes by
experienced chefs to spies who deserve local and authentic food.
Honoring original favorites like the Fried C4 Cheese Curds and
the hand-crafted M.O.A.B. (Mother of All Burgers), Agent Pickles
(a.k.a. Head Culinary Agent David Hardy) is bulking up the menu for
visiting spies, adding specialties including poutine and an array of
savory entrees as well as healthy vegetarian and vegan items.
“Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking unique experiences, and the
SafeHouse is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar that fills that niche,”
says Agent Blonde, Peggy Williams-Smith, Marcus Hotels & Resorts Senior
Vice President. “Spies in the great city of Chicago were in need of a
refuge and Control wanted to ensure there was a SafeHouse for them as
well.”
For more information on EscapeHouse, visit EscapeHouseChicago.com
or call (312) 981-6633. EscapeHouse is currently taking online
reservations for escapes beginning on November 21. For more information
on The SafeHouse, visit SafeHouseChicago.com.
About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:
MCS), owns and/or manages 18 hotels, resorts and other properties in the
U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting
hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and
independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved
operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality
industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for
hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and
product repositioning, including hotel food and beverage concepts
developed by its Marcus Restaurant Group, including Mason Street Grill,
ChopHouse and Miller Time Pub & Grill. The company is also growing its
experiential restaurant concept, The SafeHouse, with a Chicago location
opening in early 2017. For more information, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com
and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).
About The Marcus Corporation
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., The
Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment
industries, with significant company-owned real estate assets. In
addition to its Marcus
Hotels & Resorts division, the company’s movie theatre division, Marcus
Theatres®, is the fifth largest theatre circuit in the United States
and currently owns or operates 686 screens at 54 locations in Wisconsin,
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio. For more
information, visit the company’s web site at www.marcuscorp.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161117005191/en/
Source: The Marcus Corporation
Heron Agency
Lianne Wiker Hedditch
Ann Maher
lianne@heronagency.com
ann@heronagency.com
773.969.5200
