11.18.16

The Secret is Out: EscapeHouse and SafeHouse Chicago Target the Windy City with Grand Opening Launches

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 – 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 every day 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: https://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 website at www.marcuscorp.com.

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