Fast-casual brand to open location in Joliet, Ill., by winter
Portillo Hot Dogs LLC has unveiled plans for its first pick-up-only restaurant, which will feature three drive-thru lanes and plans a winter opening in Joliet, Ill.
The Oak Brook, Ill.-based fast-casual brand said Wednesday that the restaurant, called Portillo’s Pick Up, will have no indoor dining room.
The company said the 3,750-square-foot restaurant will feature the drive-thru lanes as well as a pick-up area for orders placed at portillos.com and through the Portillo’s smartphone app.
The unit will also offer delivery and catering from the new Joliet restaurant through its Portillo’s Home Kitchen business.
“This new restaurant is unlike anything Portillo’s has ever done,” said Michael Osanloo, Portillo’s CEO, in statement. “We’re bringing the inside out in Joliet. With this new model, guests will get the signature Portillo’s experience with our unrivaled Chicago street food exclusively via our pickup and delivery channels.
“We know our guests enjoy the convenience of our drive-thru and delivery, so we’re excited to double down on those efforts,” he said.
Portillo’s will serve guests its signature Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-broiled burgers, fresh salads and chocolate cake, all for takeaway. The exterior design will feature a raceway theme.
“Portillo’s is a popular regional eatery that I am proud to welcome to Joliet,” said Bob O’Dekirk, Joliet’s mayor.“This new restaurant concept combined with the popularity of Portillo’s is a promising addition to the North Ridge Plaza shopping center.”
To help launch the new restaurant, Portillo’s designed a limited-edition t-shirt for the location. Guests can sign up for Portillo’s Birthday Club to receive a shirt on opening day, while supplies last. Fans who sign up also receive a slice of Portillo’s signature chocolate cake on their birthday.
The new unit will also allow customers to sign up for a training meal prior to opening and receive updates on the Portillo’s Joliet location.
Portillo’s was founded in 1963, when Dick Portillo opened the first Portillo’s hot dog stand in Villa Park, Ill., which he called The Dog House. The brand now has more than 60 locations and also owns Barnelli’s restaurants.
Portillo Hot Dogs LLC is owned by Berkshire Partners, which invested in Portillo’s in 2014.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
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