Portillo’s Plans to Open 920 Locations Over 20 Years

Oak Brook-based Portillo’s unveiled plans to open more restaurants with smaller footprints than its current locations. Famed for Chicago classics like hot dogs, Polish sausages and Italian beef, the fast-casual chain currently operates 77 restaurants in 10 states, and the expansion includes eventually opening 920 restaurants.

“Moving forward, Portillo’s is designing full-scale restaurants with a smaller overall footprint and shorter production line,” the company said. Portillo’s said its “Restaurant of the Future” will scale down even further to an average size of 5,500 to 6,000 square feet and a 47-foot production line.

Portillo’s previously announced it planned to open three Chicagoland locations in 2023, including a Cicero location with a retro automotive garage theme and seating for more than 200 guests. The Algonquin location will span 7,800 square feet, and the third restaurant in Rosemont will not have an indoor dining room, delivering on the smaller footprint style with drive-thru lanes and an inside pick-up area.