Portillos is expanding its presence in the Chicago area, with plans to open new locations in several neighborhoods. This growth is a testament to the company's commitment to serving the community.
The new locations will offer the same menu and service that customers have come to love, including their famous hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
New Locations
Portillo's is expanding its presence in the Atlanta market with a new location in Dunwoody, Georgia. The restaurant will be situated at 84 Perimeter Center East, near the intersection of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Perimeter Center East.
The new location will feature a 4,781-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru along Ashford Dunwoody Road and a 1,692-square-foot patio. Portillo's has no locations in the Atlanta area currently, but it is set to make its debut in Kennesaw sometime this year.
Portillo's is also facing a proxy fight from activist investor Engaged Capital, which has nominated two independent candidates to the company's board. Engaged has been pushing for changes to Portillo's business practices, including opening smaller stores and increasing brand awareness outside of the Chicago area.
Portillo's has been taking steps to address these concerns, such as introducing digital ordering kiosks and a new loyalty program. The company values the perspectives of all its shareholders and has held meetings with Engaged Capital representatives to discuss their views and recommendations.
In addition to the Atlanta location, Portillo's is set to open its fourth pick-up only restaurant in Illinois, expanding its presence in the Chicago suburb.
Company News
Portillo's has been making some changes to their menu prices recently. They increased prices by about 1.5% in January 2025 and by approximately 1% in April 2025.
The company is prioritizing strategies to drive higher traffic and mix at their restaurants while optimizing returns and retaining top talent. This includes launching their Portillo's Perks loyalty program.
To drive traffic, Portillo's is advertising beyond their Chicagoland area. They're also working on operational improvements in speed of service, accuracy, and hospitality.
Here are some specific strategies Portillo's is using to drive traffic and improve their business:
- The launch of Portillo's Perks loyalty program.
- Advertising beyond Chicagoland.
- Making operational improvements in speed of service, accuracy and hospitality.
- Driving kiosk usage.
- Testing breakfast at five locations in Chicago.
Featured Images: pexels.com
