Portillo’s Could Bring its Iconic Chicago Street Food to Avondale

Portillo’s, the Chicago fast-food chain with 58 locations, wants to open another restaurant that’s actually in the city. The chain has proposed building a restaurant in Avondale at 3357 W. Addison Street. The company isn’t confirming its intentions, but a developer will pitch the idea to the public and local authorities next month at a community meeting. While a common sight in the suburbs in different configurations, the chain has only two locations in Chicago proper, in River North and the South Loop.

Covering Chicago street food staples like Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef and sausage, Portillo’s is an Eater Chicago 38 member. The chain started as a hot dog stand in 1963 in suburban Villa Park. Interested parties could read all about the history in founder Dick Portillo’s new book, Out of the Dog House (Triumph Books). It’s out next month.

The chain’s locations differ. Some sell beer and others have a pasta component, called Barnelli’s. Others sell barbecue ribs. The Old Irving Park Association released meeting details last week, leaving Avondale residents hungry for more details. One Reddit user worried about how bad traffic would be during Cubs season with backed-up cars along Addison. The space is currently used as a taxi outlet, according to Block Club Chicago. Portillo’s has been active opening locations outside the state. It last opened a Chicago location in 2016 in the South Loop.

The chain has been focused on out-of-state expansion in states like California, Arizona, and Minnesota. If all goes well Chicago proper would see its third location.