by Jay Hoffman
We checked out the soft opening at the new Portillo’s in Allen, Texas. This marks their second location in Texas and the first one is in The Colony, Texas. Additional locations will be in Arlington, Texas soon and Ft. Worth, Texas later in the year.
Portillo’s is celebrating their 60th Anniversary when it started in 1963 by the name of man Dick Portillo and now his son Mike Portillo helps run the operation. In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer to open the first Portillo’s hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, which he called “The Dog House.” Years later, Portillo’s has become a brand synonymous with Chicago.
In fact, they’re kind of a big dill– people and claim it’s not a real trip to Chicago unless you eat at Portillo’s. Fortunately, die-hard fans and first-timers alike have their choice of Portillo’s restaurants, as they’ve beefed up to more than 70 locations across several states.
When you go to visit Portillo’s, you will want to get a couple of items off the menu.
- Italian Beef Sandwiches, Our Italian beef is slow-roasted for four hours, thinly sliced, and served on freshly baked French bread. Then, it’s dipped in hot gravy made with our homemade blend of seasonings that we’ve been perfecting for 50 years. Haven’t tried Portillo’s yet? Order an Italian beef, dipped with sweet or hot peppers (add mozzarella if you’re feeling cheesy), or a Chicago-style hot dog “dragged through the garden” and you’ll see what all the hype is about.
- Everything-Dog: Chicago-style hot dog with everything, which includes mustard, relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, kosher pickle, and sport peppers piled onto a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun. Chicagoans call this “dragging the dog through the garden.”
- Portillo’s Cholate Cake: Close your eyes and imagine a slice of chocolate cake, so moist and delicious.
- Cake Shake: Have you heard of our famous “cake shake?” Yes, they actually put a slice of chocolate cake into our blended milkshakes, making a truly unique, must-try dessert. Loop up if its just cake you want.
So, head on down to your closest Portillo’s location and get in on all the fun food they have to offer. You will be hooked like many are today.
