Char-grilled burgers, cheese fries, and chocolate cake.
Portillo’s opened its third pickup-only location on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 20 Orland Square Drive in Orland Square. A ribbon-cutting ceremony preceded the grand opening.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Orland Park community,” said Marc Miller, vice president of restaurant operations for Portillo’s. “It’s the same great quality and same great food but with a smaller footprint, right in your own backyard.”
The restaurant does not include an indoor dining room. Instead, it features the brand’s “Restaurant of the Future” design, with two drive-thru lanes and an inside pickup area for orders placed online, via the Portillo’s app, or through third-party delivery platforms. Delivery and catering services are also available.
“It’s the Portillo’s quality you know and love, but now with a quicker, turbocharged service model—built for speed and efficiency,” Miller said.
Miller’s personal favorite menu item is a Maxwell Street Polish with cheese fries and a Coke.
However, Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau has another preference.
“I’m tired of driving all the way across town to Tinley Park to Portillo’s,” Pekau said. “Now, I can get my Cake Shakes right here in Orland Park.”
Pekau praised Orland Park’s community as a key factor in attracting businesses like Portillo’s.
The location, built in just 90 days, employs more than 80 people.
The Portillo’s franchise began in 1963 when Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer to open the first hot dog stand, The Dog House, in Villa Park. Now, the company operates more than 90 restaurants across 10 states.
“This is the third of its kind, designed for convenience and speed without sacrificing the classic Portillo’s favorites,” Miller said.
During the grand opening, store General Manager Marsha Spalla led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. A second ceremony featured employees, with Miller cutting the ribbon.
As part of the celebration, Portillo’s presented a $5,000 check to its charity partner, the District 230 Foundation.
“We chose the District 230 Foundation because it holds a special place in our hearts,” said Allie Grossman, field marketing coordinator for Portillo’s. “Any chance that we can give back to education, we are going to.”
Ann Oliver, president of the District 230 Foundation, expressed her gratitude.
“Portillo’s knows the value of community and education, and so does the District 230 Foundation,” Oliver said. “We’re a partnership between community volunteers and school leaders to provide educational opportunities beyond the school budget. These grants help build a future workforce prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”
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