Portillo’s announces Feb. 1 opening in Joliet

Portillo’s announced it will open it’s new pick-up restaurant in Joliet on Feb. 1.

The restaurant at 1444 N. Larkin Ave. is the first Portillo’s Pick Up location in the chain, which has 70 restaurants in nine states. And Portillo’s plans a number of extras, including limited-edition T-shirts and free-sandwich cards for customers who drive classic cars to the restaurant on opening day.

Portillo’s Pick Up will open to the public at 10:30 a.m. on opening day, the company said in a news release issued Monday.

“Unlike traditional restaurants, Portillo’s Pick Up will not have an indoor dining room,” the release said. “Instead, the 3,750-square-foot restaurant will feature three drive-thru lanes as well as a pick-up area for orders placed at portillos.com and through the Portillo’s app.”

One of the three drive-thru lanes will be dedicated to “pre-order pickup” to provide faster service for customers who order ahead.

The Joliet location also will offer delivery and catering.

Portillo’s said it is now hiring for a variety of positions for hourly and shift leaders. Portillo’s perks include free meals and flexible scheduling, the release said. Applicants can apply online at portillos.com/careers, and walk-in interviews also are being conducted on-site.

Portillo’s has designed a limited-edition T-shirt for the location. People can sign up for Portillo’s Birthday Club to receive a shirt on opening day while supplies last. Those who sign up also get a slice of Portillo’s chocolate cake on their birthday.

The restaurant exterior features “a raceway theme,” the release said. Portillo’s is inviting anyone with a classic car to bring their vintage automobile through the drive-thru on February 1, to receive a card valid for a free sandwich on their next visit.

Fans of Portillo’s can register for a chance to drive up for a training meal prior to opening and receive updates on the Portillo’s Pick Up location by signing up at Portillo’s website. Portillo’s is partnering with Joliet Public Schools District 86 and the Spanish Community Center to generate donations as part of the event.