Portillo’s is debuting a new item on the menu of restaurants across the country that’s a little different from the Chicago-style staples the chain is known for.
The fast food chain will now be serving the Rodeo Burger just in time for summer.
Our classic chargrilled 1/3 pound burger on a brioche bun topped with bacon, red onion, onion rings, melted American cheese and Portillo’s “Treating BBQ Sauce.” Bacon is the latest ingredient in the burger that Portillo has called his customers to “saddle up.”
According to the company, it’s fresh, thick, crunchy bacon.
“Who doesn’t love bacon? We already had really good bacon, but now it’s even better,” Portillo’s vice president of strategy and culinary Garrett Kern said in a statement. “We also have one of the best burgers out there. Top it off with our signature barbecue sauce, delicious onion rings, and delicious new bacon. Our team members really loved it and can’t wait for both our loyal fans and new guests to rush in and try it out.”
The new burger is already available in restaurants and for online ordering or delivery through the chain’s app.
He brought the new burgers to Beacon, Indiana, for a taste test, Portillo said before the launch, “treating the town to burgers.”
“The Bacon loved its Rodeo Burger so much that they gave Portillo an honorary key to the city,” the company said in a statement.
The new burger comes as the chain prepares to expand into the Chicago area, launching yet another new concept.
Portillo is soon set to open three new restaurants in the Chicago area, including its second pick-up-only location.
According to a press release from the chain, all three stores will be located in the Chicago suburbs, with a new location in Rosemont that eliminates dine-in customers.
“We’re excited to continue expanding our footprint in Illinois, so we can bring delicious Chicago-style street food to more guests throughout Chicagoland,” CEO Michael Osanloo said in a statement.
The Rosemont site, located at the 1000 block of West Higgins Road, will have driveways and a small window, the company said.
Portillo’s opened its first pick-up-only restaurant on US 30 and Larkin Avenue in Joliet last year.
Known for its hot dogs, beef, burgers, salads and desserts, the legendary Chicago restaurant chain operates dozens of locations in the Chicago area and Midwest, as well as Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.
In addition to Rosemont, Portillo also plans to open locations in Algonquin and Cicero, with 7,800 square feet of dining rooms and seating for more than 200 people, according to the company.
All three locations are expected to open later this year and will give diners an exclusive opportunity.
More details can be found here.