Michael Portillo meets with Smith Crossing’s Women’s Book Club

The Women’s Book Club at Smith Crossing in Orland Park stepped into the pages of one of their selections and enjoyed some great hot dogs at the same time.

The group read Out of the Dog House by Dick Portillo and Don Yaeger, the story of Portillo’s meteoric rise from a 6-by-12-foot trailer with no running water to a publicly traded company valued at $1.2 billion that is one of the most iconic and beloved restaurant chains. Then, they met with Michael Portillo, vice president of restaurant support and son of founder Dick Portillo, at the Portillo’s location at 5900 South Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park.

Michael grew up helping in the restaurants, even when he needed to stand on a stool to see over the counter. He shared more personal information about his family’s life in the restaurant industry with stories that added to what the group learned reading his father’s book. Meeting a successful business leader like Portillo and having the chance to ask questions and learn more added depth to the experience of reading the book club selection.

“Dick Portillo had a dream, and he went after it!” says Bobbie Hett, Smith Crossing resident and co-moderator of the Women’s Book Club. “I really admire his vision.”

Hett connected with the presentation on a personal level. Now retired, she owned three restaurants and found many ways to compare her life with the stories Portillo shared. For other group members, learning about the Portillo’s Foundation and the programs the restaurant has in place to support and nurture employees were of particular interest.

Sherry Sunke, Smith Crossing resident and club co-moderator, found Portillo’s stories of balancing family life with the challenges of running a rapidly growing business particularly touching.

Portillo was generous with his time, visiting and sharing stories with the club members for 90 minutes and, of course, they enjoyed the hospitality extended by the restaurant’s staff members and having lunch together.

Smith Crossing residents enjoy participating in the book clubs for men and for women because they foster a sense of community. “My favorite part of our book club absolutely is our camaraderie,” says Hett, who has led the Women’s Book Club for seven years. “We meet new friends and get to better know each other when we express their views about the books we read.”

For Sunke, who moved to Smith Crossing a year ago, the book club was a way to continue her love of reading and meet people in her new community. “I’ve always been a reader and I enjoy discovering different types of books,” says Sunke. “I find that I get more out of the books when I discuss them with our club. Other members will appreciate facets of the book that I didn’t originally see.”

For more information about Smith Crossing, call 708-326-2300 or visit SmithCrossing.org.