In a recent conversation with investors, Michael Osanloo, who holds the esteemed positions of President, CEO, and Director at the iconic Chicago-based fast-casual eatery, Portillo’s, unveiled an audacious blueprint for the future. It’s a plan that promises to catapult the brand to new heights over the next two decades.
Picture this: 920 new Portillo’s establishments sprinkled across the map, spanning the length and breadth of the United States. Among this impressive figure, 800 will stand as fully-fledged restaurants, embodying the heart and soul of Portillo’s dining experience. In contrast, the remaining 120 will emerge as convenient pick-up and drive-thru locations, tailored for those seeking swifter culinary delights – no elaborate dining areas in sight.
Presently, Portillo’s proudly boasts a network of approximately 70 eateries, a testament to its enduring charm. These beloved establishments are sprinkled generously across the Chicagoland area and have journeyed as far as Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas.
The brand’s compass remains fixed on the radiant Sunbelt, as Portillo’s continues to nurture its presence in sun-soaked locales such as Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Michael Osanloo elaborated on this, sharing, “We’ve already set roots in the Sunbelt, with ten thriving establishments. Our initial foray into these territories has been met with resounding success, and we’re all in for the long haul here for the next decade.”
But that’s not where the story ends. Beyond the Sunbelt, Portillo’s has its sights set on three vibrant destinations: Atlanta, Georgia, Denver, Colorado, and Las Vegas, Nevada. These cities have been carefully chosen, their allure backed by tangible data, particularly derived from the surge in online “Shop and Ship” orders.
In a nutshell, Portillo’s is embarking on a grand journey, one that promises to bring the delectable taste of Chicago to doorsteps and dining tables across the nation. It’s a future laden with promise, flavor, and the unmistakable charm that has endeared this iconic eatery to legions of food aficionados for decades.
