CHICAGO — Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Thursday announced the "online urban guide" and business review website Yelp is headed to Chicago in 2015.
The multinational company has signed a lease for a 50,000-square-foot office on the fourth floor in the Merchandise Mart, Emanuel said via a news release.
“Companies like Yelp choose to locate in Chicago because of the investments we have made in
creating a world-class workforce and investing in our infrastructure, our neighborhoods and our communities,” Emanuel said.
Emanuel said the decision by Yelp and other companies that have recently moved to the city is a testament to the city's diverse and talented workforce along with its strong local business roots, he said.
“Yelp is an exciting company that has become globally recognized for supporting local businesses, the backbone of Chicago’s economy, and we welcome them to the city," Emanuel said.
The company which has offices in San Francisco, New York, Scottsdale, London, Dublin and Hamburg chose the Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, because of the proximity to the "L" to benefit its commuters.
“This vibrant metropolis is an ideal location to source talented new employees and connect with even more great local businesses. Chicago’s history as a leader in innovation and supporter of small business and tech industry growth fits seamlessly with Yelp’s initiatives, and we are excited to build a home here with Yelp’s seventh office," said Jeremy Stoppelman, CEO of Yelp.
In the next 1-1½ years, Yelp plans to hire 300 people, mostly in sales positions. The company plans to move in in January.
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