Portillo's
Northlake, IL Hours and Location

Our Story

History of Portillo’s

At Portillo’s, we attribute much of our success to our hard-working employees and to you, our loyal customers. Thank you for your support.

• 1963
  

  Dog House

  The first Portillo’s hot dog stand known as “The Dog House” opens in 1963 on North Avenue in Villa Park. Owner and founder Dick Portillo invests $1,100 into a 6′ x 12′ trailer without a bathroom or running water. To get the water he needs, he runs 250 feet of garden hose from a nearby building into the trailer.

• 1967
  

  New Look

  By 1967, “The Dog House” is a success and is ready for a new look. It is renamed “Portillo’s” and moves to a new building.

• 1983
  

  First Drive-Thru

  Portillo’s first drive-thru opens in Downers Grove, IL. Almost immediately, Portillo’s becomes known for speedy drive-thru service.

• 1985
  

  Featured in Forbes

  Founder Dick Portillo is featured in Forbes Magazine as an “Up and Comer” for leading Portillo’s to success in the Chicagoland area.

• 1993
  

  Barnelli’s is Introduced

  The Barnelli’s Pasta Bowl concept is introduced inside an existing Portillo’s restaurant. The concept features a variety of pastas with homemade sauces, gourmet salads, and hand-made sandwiches.

• 1994
  

  First Chicago Opening

  After years of requests from fans, Portillo’s opens in Chicago at the intersection of Clark and Ontario Streets. Many of the items inside the store are purchased from the original Chicago Stadium, including the original Chicago Blackhawks 1938 Stanley Cup banner.

• 1994
  

  Entrepreneur of the Year

  Dick Portillo is named Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. Magazine.

• 1999
  

  Portillo’s Home Kitchen

  Portillo’s Home Kitchen Catering begins. Catering deliveries are made for the first time the next year.

  Learn More About Our Catering Services

• 2000
  

  Nationwide Shipping

  Portillo’s begins shipping food to all 50 states. Residents in states outside of Illinois finally have a way to enjoy Portillo’s food without taking a long road trip.

• 2005
  

  Portillo’s in California

  Portillo’s expands outside of Illinois for the first time with a restaurant in Buena Park, California. Later, in 2008, Portillo’s opens in Moreno Valley, California.

• 2006
  

  Portillo’s in Indiana

  Portillo’s opens its first restaurant in Indiana by opening in Merrillville.

• 2013
  

  Portillo’s in Arizona

  Portillo’s opens in its fourth state: Arizona. The line of people outside the building before the grand opening in Scottsdale exceeds 500 people. The Portillo’s in Tempe opens just a few months after Scottsdale.

• 2015
  

  Expansion

  With several new restaurants planned for the Chicagoland area and beyond, it’s a great time to be a Portillo’s fan. Under Dick Portillo’s continued guidance, we’re committed to bringing our quality food and service to new markets around the country.

• 2016
  

  Portillo’s Expands to Two New States

  We open two restaurants in the sunshine state: Brandon and Tampa, FL. We also open a restaurant in Wisconsin for the first time, with our new location in Brookfield. We debut the “Badger Brat” in WI, a unique item only available at Portillo’s in Wisconsin.

… more

About this location:

Theme: ’20s-’30s

This Location Includes

• Ribs
• Beer
• Smoothies