Portillo’s, a Chicago-based American fast casual restaurant chain, will make its Texas debut this year.
Located at the intersection of Highway 121 and Destination Drive in The Colony, the restaurant will join the 400-acre Grandscape complex. It is expected to open this fall.
“Texas is an amazing market, and I can’t wait for our fans there to see this showstopper of a restaurant,” said Portillo’s CEO Michael Osanloo. “Texas is the Number 1 state for our shipping business, and we’ve had fans asking us to bring a brick-and-mortar restaurant there for years. We’re investing in the right people and the right real estate to make this restaurant a home run for them.”
The new restaurant will stick to Portillo’s unique design style, incorporating elements of the surrounding community as part of its décor. A vintage Toyota vehicle will be included in the design as a nod to the nearby North American headquarters of Toyota. Featuring a space of 7,900 square feet, Portillo’s in The Colony will include indoor seating for more than 180 guests, as well as outdoor seating for more than 80 additional guests on two air-conditioned patios.
“We are very excited to welcome this iconic brand to Grandscape,” Jeff Lind, president of Grandscape, said. “Our mission continues to be creating a destination unlike any other, offering brands that are often first to the market while creating a one-of-a-kind visitor experience. Portillo’s is famous for their offerings and their service, and we look forward to being their first home in the state of Texas.”
Known for its signature menu items of Chicago street food, guests can expect to enjoy Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, char-broiled burgers and salads. Cheese fries, chicken tenders and soup and chili bowls are also on the menu. Portillo’s famous chocolate cake, chocolate éclair cake, strawberry shortcake and shakes are offered for dessert.
To celebrate its upcoming Texas opening, Portillo’s is also holding a Texas-themed trivia sweepstakes. Fans are invited to answer themed questions, and all participants will be entered for the chance to win Portillo’s for a year. Fans are also invited to sign up for the chance to attend a free sneak peek training meal prior to the restaurant’s official opening. Those interested can do so at www.portillos.com/colony.
