The new Portillo’s coming to Indianapolis Boulevard in Schererville won’t be like the big dine-in eatery in Merrillville or other Portillo’s locations people know and love.
The fast-casual Chicago-style hot dog chain is expanding through a new drive-thru model. Oak Brook-based Portillos is debuting the new Portillo’s Pick Up at 1444 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet.
The 3,750-square-foot restaurant will not have a dining room. It will have three drive-thru lanes and a pick-up area. It also will offer delivery and catering.
“This new restaurant is unlike anything Portillo’s has ever done,” said Portillo’s CEO Michael Osanloo. “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.”
The new restaurant will open this winter and is hiring for a variety of positions. It will serve hot dogs, Maxwell Street Polishes, Italian beef sandwiches, char-broiled burgers, salads and its signature chocolate cake.
“Portillo’s is a popular regional eatery that I am proud to welcome to Joliet,” Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk said. “This new restaurant concept combined with the popularity of Portillo’s is a promising addition to the North Ridge Plaza shopping center. This is another outstanding development for Joliet and its residents.”
The stripped-down Joliet location will still have the elaborate design flair Portillo’s is known for, with the facade having a raceway theme.
For more information, visit portillos.com.
