Portillo’s may be preparing to plant another flag in the heart of downtown Chicago, even as the iconic chain continues to expand well beyond the city. As reported by CBS News, city filings indicate that the hot dog chain is planning to open a new outpost on Michigan Avenue, a move that would further cement its presence in the Loop.
A spokesperson for the company told CBS News there was no further information to share regarding the Michigan Avenue location as of December 15.
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The proposed location would be at 300 N. Michigan Avenue, steps from the Chicago River and surrounded by offices, hotels and tourist traffic. Permits point to a full restaurant buildout, with extensive kitchen, plumbing, mechanical and electrical work underway. No official timeline or announcement has yet been shared.
If it opens, the Michigan Avenue restaurant would be the third downtown Portillo’s and fourth location in the city. For anyone craving an Italian beef during the workday, a Chicago-style hot dog after shopping or a late-afternoon chocolate cake shake, the location will deliver.
The potential opening arrives at a moment of national growth for the brand. Portillo’s recently confirmed plans to open a new restaurant in Frisco, Texas, underscoring its ongoing expansion. Once a local secret, the chain has become a national ambassador for Chicago comfort food, with locations stretching across multiple states even as it doubles down on its hometown roots.
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Founded in 1963, Portillo’s has built its reputation on a menu that rarely strays from the hits: hot dogs, thinly sliced Italian beef piled onto soft rolls, char-grilled burgers, crinkle-cut fries and over-the-top desserts. That consistency has helped it thrive both at home and in new cities, where Chicago transplants and curious locals alike line up for a taste.
A Michigan Avenue outpost would place Portillo’s in one of the city’s most visible dining corridors, reinforcing its status as a must-try for tourists while giving locals another convenient option downtown. It also signals confidence in Chicago’s evolving central business district, where major brands are betting on renewed foot traffic and long-term demand.