With its origins in a hot dog stand called the Dog Park, founded in Chicago by Dick Portillo in 1963, Portillo’s is an established Chicago hot dog classic. The brand has more than 70 locations, including 8 in Florida, and another new Florida outpost appears to be in the works in Manatee County, according to recent coverage by the Bradenton Herald.
“The Bradenton restaurant would be 6,250 square feet with a 500-square-foot patio, dual drive-thru lanes and a 79-space parking lot, according to plans filed with the county,” the Bradenton Herald coverage says. “The proposed restaurant would go in the Marketplace at Heritage Harbour plaza off State Road 64 East and Grand Harbour Parkway, according to property records.”
A number of restaurants are currently in the work in the retail center near FL-64 and Grand Harbour Parkway, and several have already launched. Opening there, the new Portillo’s would join Seasons 52 and Miller’s Ale House.
“We’re known for our famous Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chopped salad, cheese fries, homemade chocolate cake, and chocolate cake shake,” says the Portillo’s website. “Our Italian beef is slow-roasted for four hours, thinly sliced, and served on freshly baked French bread. Then, it’s dipped in hot gravy made with our homemade blend of seasonings that we’ve been perfecting for 50 years. Haven’t tried Portillo’s yet? Order an Italian beef, dipped with sweet or hot peppers (add mozzarella if you’re feeling cheesy), or a Chicago-style hot dog “dragged through the garden” and you’ll see what all the hype is about.”
You can keep up with Portillo’s news by following @portilloshotdogs on Instagram.
