F1 Arcade to open in Chicago's River North
An F1 Arcade entertainment venue will open in Chicago's River North neighborhood this summer. The Formula 1-themed hospitality concept, which features racing simulators and other attractions, will take over the former Rock Bottom Brewery location. The opening adds a major entertainment anchor to the area.
The new F1 Arcade at 1 West Grand Avenue will feature 70 full-motion racing simulators, allowing guests to experience iconic Formula 1 circuits. This Chicago location is notable as it will debut the brand's first-ever rooftop terrace, adding a unique feature to the River North venue. The company's U.S. headquarters is also based in Chicago, making the opening particularly significant for the brand. F1 Arcade's parent company, Kindred Concepts, is driving a significant international expansion with plans to open over 30 locations globally by the end of 2027. This growth is supported by a £30 million investment from partners including Liberty Media (the owners of Formula 1) and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, as well as F1 drivers Lando Norris and Logan Sargeant. A more recent $130 million funding round is set to further accelerate this global rollout. The brand's U.S. push includes venues already open in Boston and Washington D.C., with future locations planned for Las Vegas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Denver. The goal is to open five new sites in the U.S. each year. The simulators are developed in collaboration with Formula 1 and use the rFactor 2 racing simulation platform for a realistic experience. This new venue is part of a growing "competitive socializing" trend, where entertainment concepts are blended with high-quality food and beverage offerings. This market has seen a 386% growth in concepts since early 2021, often taking over large retail spaces left vacant by previous tenants. The former tenant, Rock Bottom Brewery, closed in January 2023 after its parent company decided not to renew the lease, citing post-COVID sales figures.
