Portillo’s Hot Dogs is apparently planning to open a sixth location in the Valley, Mouth by Southwest reports. Queen Creek public records show a pre-application under review to put up a 7,700 square-foot restaurant space with a drive-thru at 20745 E. Walnut Road.
The chain is known for Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chopped salad, cheese fries, and their chocolate cake shakes blended with homemade chocolate cake. There are already four existing Portillo’s restaurants dispersed throughout the Valley in Avondale, Glendale, Tempe and Scottsdale, with a fifth location opening soon in Gilbert.
Portillo’s originated in 1963, when it was first known as “The Dog House,” a small hot dog stand in Villa Park, Illinois. Founder Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer that soon became known for slinging the infamous Chicago-style hot dog with a slice of dill pickle.
The Chicago fast-casual chain has since expanded its reach and now operates more than 60 locations across the U.S. The company has a hand in every single new location that crops up across the nation, as they do not franchise.
Mouth by Southwest suspects that the Queen Creek location, if approved, will open in 2023. For more information, visit www.portillos.com.
