Oak Brook, Ill. — More than six decades after opening as a small hot dog stand in suburban Chicago, Portillo’s is headed to Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue with a new flagship restaurant. The Chicago-born fast-casual restaurant — known for its Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs and legendary chocolate cake — plans to open the new restaurant at 304 North Michigan Ave., just south of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
“Chicago is where the Portillo’s story began, and opening in the heart of the city is not only an incredibly proud moment for our brand, but also a recognition of how important Chicagoans are, not only to our history, but to our future,” says Brett Patterson, president and chief executive officer. “Michigan Avenue is one of the most iconic destinations in Chicago. This restaurant celebrates our hometown and reinforces a simple truth: no matter how much we grow, Chicago will always be at the heart of who we are.”
The Michigan Avenue restaurant will be Portillo’s first inline location in the city of Chicago, and only the second for the brand. Designed for high-foot-traffic environments, the smaller-format restaurant reflects Portillo’s broader growth strategy that includes newer prototypes. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant will feature nearly 100 seats and offer dine-in, pickup and delivery.
This new location will mark the fourth Portillo’s restaurant in the city of Chicago and the 45th restaurant in the greater Chicagoland area.
Portillo’s is a one-of-a-kind brand that has grown from a small hot dog trailer in Chicago to more than 100 restaurants across 11 states. Founded more than 60 years ago, Portillo’s operates a company-owned model of not just restaurants — but experience-focused destinations that blend dine-in, drive-thru, takeout and delivery to serve our guests with the food they crave. For more information, visit www.portillos.com.
SOURCE: Portillo’s Inc.