Chicago-based Portillo’s has plans to open a new Atlanta-area location, joining the sole Georgia location that opened in Kennesaw last fall. The new location will open in Buford at 3207 Buford Drive, according to bidding documents. Construction appears to be on the way, with bidding currently open for the renovation process.
The site, located near the Mall of Georgia, formerly housed Romano’s Macaroni Grill, which shuttered in 2024.
What Now Atlanta has reached out to the Portillo’s team for additional details regarding plans for the location and opening timeline but did not hear back prior to the time of publication.
Portillo’s launched as a hot dog stand in Chicago in 1963 and has been expanding across the U.S. The entry into the Atlanta market last year marked the 100th location for the brand, which serves hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers, salads and pastas.
The brand previously had a location in development in Cumming and was eyeing a spot in Dunwoody, but Portillo’s is not moving forward with either of those projects.
