A popular Chicago-based restaurant chain could be expanding its presence in the San Antonio area, with Portillo’s appearing among the businesses associated with a major retail development planned for Castroville.
The restaurant has been linked to Alsatian Oaks, a large mixed-use development near the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and FM 471, directly beside Castroville’s Walmart.
According to MySA, Portillo’s was previously featured on promotional materials for the development alongside other proposed businesses. The restaurant has also appeared on more recent signage advertising the upcoming shopping center.
However, its participation has not been officially confirmed. MySA reported in November 2026 that Portillo’s appeared on the development’s promotional poster but noted that the restaurant’s involvement remained uncertain. The company had also previously declined to provide details about the proposed Castroville location.
Alsatian Oaks is being developed by Merit Commercial Real Estate and forms part of a larger 453-acre master-planned community. Plans include approximately 950 homes, neighborhood parks, trails, an amenity center, and approximately 83 acres of commercial development.
The retail portion is expected to bring several national brands to the area, including Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bath & Body Works, Burlington, Ulta Beauty, T.J. Maxx, Rack Room Shoes, James Avery, and Ross Dress for Less.
Portillo’s is known for its Chicago-style menu, featuring hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, crinkle-cut fries, salads, and its popular chocolate cake. Founded by Dick Portillo in Illinois, the restaurant began as a small hot dog stand called The Dog House before expanding into a national chain.
The proposed Castroville location would bring the brand closer to residents west of San Antonio, although the company has not confirmed whether the restaurant will move forward with the project.
WhatNow has reached out to Portillo’s and Merit Commercial Real Estate for clarification about the restaurant’s potential involvement in Alsatian Oaks and whether a location is officially planned. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
