Portillo’s, a Chicago-born chain known for sandwiches and hot dogs, has been on a blitz to expand its footprint across the U.S. — and its next destination could be Colorado.
According to a spokesperson, “Portillo’s is eyeing opportunities in several cities across the state,” though they couldn’t confirm specific markets at this time.
That echoes president and CEO Michael Osanloo’s talking points during a Sept. 19 investor meeting in Dallas-Fort Worth. The fast-casual restaurant plans to open new locations in markets where the population is growing and where demand for its food is already apparent, Osanloo said.
Portillo’s fans anywhere in the U.S. can order online and have the famous Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs delivered to enjoy at home. Colorado puts up “huge” numbers in terms of shipping orders, Osanloo told investors.
“We’re already starting to look at sites in Georgia, Atlanta to be specific, Denver, Colorado, and Las Vegas, Nevada,” he said.
While it’s unclear how many Portillo’s locations may pop up in the Centennial State, the restaurant’s recent move into Texas included multiple locations.
Portillo’s debuted its first Lone Star location in The Colony, Texas, in January to much fanfare. About a month after opening, lines were still so long that “police officers helped corral the hundreds of fans idling in the drive-through and standing out in the cold,” The Dallas Morning News reported.
The restaurant has since opened a second location in Allen, Texas, and three others are currently under construction in the North Texas region.
Portillo’s began as a hot dog stand called The Dog House in 1963 in Villa Park, Ill. According to the website, the concept came to life after founder Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a trailer from which he sold Chicago street food. Portillo’s now boasts more than 70 locations across the Midwest, Florida, Texas, Arizona and California.