Chicago Will Get a Second Portillo's

CHICAGO, IL - As perhaps Chicagoland’s most popular hot dog spot for more than a half-century, it’s pretty hard to believe that until now the city itself has been home to only one of the several Portillo’s locations that have opened since Dick Portillo began selling dogs out of a trailer in west suburban Villa Park in 1963.

But that’s about to change. The legendary spot to take in some old memorabilia, retro music and a true Chicago italian beef will open one of its newest restaurants within walking distance of University Village and the South Loop at 520 W. Taylor Street in May, according to Chicago TV reports.

The other city site is at 100 W. Ontario St. in River North. That’s been there for years, and Portillo’s director of marketing Nick Scarpino told NBC fans have long asked for a location further south.

“We like this specific location because of the great mix of business, residential and university populations,” Scarpino said of the location that is already under construction.

The new store will have two floors and seat up to 200. Given its popularity and the centralized location, Portillo’s shouldn’t have any problem filling all 200 seats during lunchtime.

Another new Portillo’s stop is set to open in Gurnee in November.