Portillo’s restaurant.
(Provided photo by Jay Heiferman)
Judging by local online conversations and reports from village officials, the arrival of Portillo’s Hot Dogs in Homewood is one of the most anticipated business events in some time.
The wait will be over soon.
its doors at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 15. (Photo by
Eric Crump/HF Chronicle)
The restaurant at Halsted and 175th streets will open at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, with a ribbon cutting ceremony just prior to the opening, according to Portillo’s officials.
Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld is expected to be joined by Portillo’s founder Dick Portillo to mark the opening of the company’s 40th location.
“Homewood is always hungry for a new restaurant,” Hofeld said in a June news release. “The trustees, the community and I could not be more thrilled to welcome Portillo’s to such a warm and inviting area as Homewood. It’s almost as inviting as a slice of Portillo’s famous chocolate cake.”
The Homewood Portillo’s will also be first in the country to feature a groovy 1970s theme, according to Homewood officials. Additional features specific to the Homewood Portillo’s include two drive-thru lanes for quick and easy service.
“The Mayor and residents have been asking us to come for years,” said Nick Scarpino, Portillo’s Director of Marketing. “We couldn’t be more pleased to mark our 40th restaurant opening in Homewood. It’s a milestone we are happy to share with such an excited community.”
Portillo’s began as a hot dog stand known as “The Dog House” in 1963 on North Avenue in Villa Park. It was renamed Portillo’s in 1967 after owner and founder Dick Portillo. It has since expanded into other suburbs, Chicago and across the nation.
For more call the Village Hall at 708-798-3000.
Related stories:
Job applicants flock to Portillo’s hiring center (HF Chronicle, June 17, 2015)
Zoning amendments pave the way for Portillo’s development in Homewood (HF Chronicle, March 10, 2015)
Portillo’s opens hiring office for 200 positions (HF Chronicle, June 8, 2015)
Mayor: Portillo’s coming to Homewood (HF Chronicle, Jan. 27, 2015)