When is Portillo's Opening in New Lenox?

The announcement that Portillo's chose New Lenox over other area towns excited residents and got their mouths watering in anticipation of the restaurant's opening.

That time is near: A ribbon-cutting will mark Portillo's opening at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, and the doors will open to customers immediately following. Mayor Tim Baldermann announced the date at Monday's Village Board meeting. 

Portillo's will open in the New Lenox Retail Center, which is anchored by and .

"We're excited to have them," Baldermann said, adding that his favorite is the beef and cheddar sandwich. 

And Portillo's is excited to be here. So much so that president Dick Portillo it would have received from the village. 

Trustees approved sales tax kickbacks that made New Lenox competitive with other possible locations for the restaurant, but after hearing about programs such as the village's property tax rebate, Portillo decided to give back the incentives. A couple of local restaurant owners said they were upset with the chain getting tax incentives. 

Regardless, the restaurant set an aggressive construction schedule and is just about ready to go. What's your favorite item on the menu? 

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