Chicagoland natives rejoice: Portillo’s is opening a new location in Champaign this year. The restaurant will take the place of the recently closed HomeTown Buffet at 2306 N. Prospect Ave., near the Market Place Shopping Center.
The announcement comes months after a wide circulation of rumors based on purchased licenses that became public and a Craigslist ad posted by the Chicagoland-based chain seeking applicants for a restaurant manager position.
“I’d heard a lot of speculation about Portillo’s coming to Champaign and was pretty skeptical, but now that it’s official I’m stoked,” said Jack Moore, a sophomore in LAS.
Portillo’s has been around since 1963 and has become a lunchtime staple for many. The menu is extensive, featuring italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and cheese fries. Also featured is their world famous chocolate cake, which is so popular that it can be ordered online and shipped anywhere in the United States.
Moore said his favorite items include the italian beef and the chocolate shake, both of which are delicious offerings at Portillo’s. The restaurant fills a void for Chicago classics in Champaign.
Portillo’s CEO is Keith Kinsey, a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alum who graduated in 1976. In a Tribune article, Kinsey said that the brand is seeking to expand in areas with strong connections to Chicago, at a rate of about 10-15% per year.
“It looks like a good move for them, location-wise,” Moore said.
The announcement of the Champaign location came shortly after the announcement of a new location in Normal, Illinois, home to Illinois State University. ISU is a longtime rival of the U of I, so students expressed resentment before they found out they would have their own taste of home.
“I’m excited for it in general because it’s a comforting place to eat that reminds me of home,” said Isabella Yeung, a junior and Chicago native. “I haven’t eaten Portillo’s as much as my friends, so I want to explore the menu.”
The Champaign location decor will be inspired by the closed Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, according to an article in the Rantoul Press.
Portillo’s restaurants each have a theme, ranging from ‘30s prohibition to ‘40s Gangster. All restaurants have the feel of a classic diner in common, characterized by things like neon signage, black-and-white checkered furnishings, and Americana elements.
For any students looking for a nice place to dine out just outside of campus for cheap, Portillo’s will be a perfect alternative to fast food.
Although she’s only been there once, sophomore Sofia Lazzaro said she has already pledged allegiance to the chain.
“Portillo’s is an exciting addition to this campus due to the various food options it provides students with that taste amazing and are affordable,” Lazzaro said.
Photos:
http://www.trbimg.com/img-58495cb0/turbine/ct-portillos-champaign-1208-b…
https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/portillos-hot-dogs-and-barnellis-salad-b…
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2013-10-06/rantoul-20-years-after…