The newest Portillo’s restaurant in Middleton celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and plenty of hungry customers Tuesday morning.
The Chicago-style eatery invited locals and beyond to be the first to dine-in at the company’s eighth location in the state. More than 30 customers formed a line outside the door an hour before the ribbon-cutting ceremony began at 9:30 a.m., with many more forming a larger crowd out to the roadway.
Among the throng of patrons were people who have been loyal to Portillo’s since its creation in the 60s, including Sharon and Gary Kutella. The native Chicagoans eagerly waited in line to order a hot dog, a beef and cheddar croissant, and the ever-popular chocolate cake.
“I’ve been coming here since 1963,” said Sharon. “I’m excited for the food and the people.”
Michael Portillo, son of founder Richard Portillo, was then dropped off in a teal blue golf cart outfitted with silver tinsel by The Villages Outdoor. The crowd applauded as he took to a podium and recounted the story of Portillo’s, including its beginnings in a 6-by-12 trailer with no running water.
“It quite honestly is the story that should never have happened,” said Portillo.
He described how the restaurant had since evolved to now opening its 96th location, having over 9,500 team members and expanding the menu to fit its customer base. With that, no two restaurants have been exactly the same, and this newest addition had a golf theme to fit Villagers and Middleton. He shared his gratitude everyone involved and his excitement to be in the area.
“It is an awesome place,” said Portillo. “We’ve been welcomed with open arms.”
After the ribbons welcoming Portillo’s to Middleton were finally cut, the doors opened, and customers swarmed the restaurant. Another line formed for orders, and others took their seats as the smell of their long-awaited food wafted throughout the space.
Sheila and Paul Gillis, another set of Chicagoans, came from The Village of Waters Edge for their order of hotdogs and chocolate cake. They sat across from Dan Olson of Wildwood, who they had just met but with whom they shared the love of Portillo’s food.
“I just ate at a Portillo’s three weeks ago in Minnesota,” said Olson as he unwrapped a roast beef sandwich with fries.
Employees shared the experience, including a hostess, Kellie Butler. She has worked in the restaurant business her whole life yet was new to Portillo’s. So far, she liked the food, particularly the hamburgers, and the guests.
“I’m looking forward to having fun and seeing people so excited,” said Butler.