You’ve probably heard of the renowned fast-casual eatery, Portillo’s, in Chicago. Originally established in 1963 as a modest hot dog stand, it has evolved into a cherished Midwestern gem with widespread acclaim.
Houstonians will soon be able to get a taste of the Windy City and the iconic beef sandwiches and all-beef Vienna hot dogs that gave rise to the Chicago-style hot dog known nationwide. According to CultureMap, the hotdog hot spot will open locations at Willowbrook Mall and Richmond’s The Grand at Aliana shopping center by the end of the year.
Starting from its modest origins in 1963, Portillo’s has grown its presence across the Midwest, reaching states such as Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. Additionally, the company has expanded its footprint to include Florida, Arizona, and California. Portillo’s made their Texas debut in the Dallas area early 2023 with an 8,000-square-foot, garage-themed outpost.
In Houston, Portillo’s has slotted out a space at 1021 Westside Parkway in Richmond – as noted in the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation page. The page also reveals that the 7,700-square-foot “fast-casual restaurant with outdoor patio dining and drive-thru services” will be complete in late August of 2024.
The restaurant’s ‘rustic southwest garage theme”d Willowbrook location will be sized at 6,000-square-feet with 130 indoor seats, and 40 outdoor seats.
Earlier this year, the company celebrated their 60-year anniversary. The anniversary the company commemmorated by bringing back its iconic Dog House hotdog trailer in which Dick Portillo first launched the business in April of 1963. The Chicago mayor also pronounced August 5 to be Portillo’s Day in the city.