Is Portillo’s Only in Illinois? The Truth About This Iconic Restaurant Chain

 When people think of Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake shakes, Portillo’s is often the first name that comes to mind. Founded in 1963 by Dick Portillo in Villa Park, Illinois, the restaurant quickly grew into a Midwest favorite. But is Portillo’s only in Illinois?

The short answer is no. While Portillo’s began its journey in Illinois and still has the largest number of locations there, the brand has expanded far beyond state borders. Today, you can find Portillo’s restaurants in several states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin. This expansion allows more people across the U.S. to enjoy the chain’s signature Chicago-style flavors.

Despite this growth, Illinois remains the heart and soul of the brand, with the majority of its locations and a deep connection to the local food culture. For many, visiting Portillo’s in Illinois is still a special experience, but thanks to its expansion, fans no longer have to travel to Chicago to get their fix.

So, the next time someone asks, “Is Portillo’s only in Illinois?” you can confidently say it started there, but its delicious legacy now stretches across the country.