The wait has been long, but hopefully it was all worth it: Portillo’s is now officially open in Orlando.
The Chicago-style eatery held its grand opening Tuesday, making its newest location official and ready for business.
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Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was at the official opening of Portillo’s Tuesday. Restaurant officials said the location is bringing about 100 jobs to the area and they are ready to hire even more people.
“There’s a lot of open jobs out there especially in the tourism and hospitality industry, so it’s been a little weird coming back because a lot of restaurants and hotels are hampered from fully opening by not being able to fill all the positions,” Dyer explained.
Portillo’s Orlando general manager, Jeremy Sasso, said they have hiring signs inside and outside the restaurant.
[PHOTOS: Portillo’s now serving Chicago-style food at Orlando location]
“We also want leaders and team members that believe in our core values, family, fun, energy and greatness,” Sasso said.
Portillo’s fans have been waiting patiently as the restaurant’s grand opening was pushed back several times before becoming final on June 15.
You can eat Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers and famous chocolate cake at the 7,800-square-foot restaurant which has two drive-thru lanes and two covered outdoor patios, officials said.
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The location is in the Village at O-Town West at 7715 Palm Parkway in Orlando, also home to the new White Castle. Construction is also underway for other restaurants and businesses at the Village of O-Town.
“We are very fortunate that Orlando is the place where everyone wants to be,” Dyer said.
Inside the restaurant the theme is that of a diner with “an ode to rock ‘n roll with an electric guitar ceiling installation.”
If you’ve never had Portillo’s and wondered what’s good on the menu, a News 6 manager shared his insider knowledge and ranked the menu items you must try. He also explained the different ways you can order the Italian beef sandwich.
The Orlando location is the fast-casual chain’s first Central Florida restaurant, making it the third in Florida after Tampa and Brandon.