Portillo’s set for Aug. 15 opening in Normal

Posted on July 5, 2017

By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Portillo’s Restaurant in Normal will be open for business Aug. 15, in time for the return of thousands of Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan University students for the fall semester.

Dignitaries broke ground for the building in mid-April at 202 Landmark Dr. in Normal, and hiring is well underway for about 200 employees who will work there at the start.

Company spokesman Nick Scarpino said about half of the people they hire will work full-time.

The restaurant chain is interviewing job candidates at its temporary hiring center at Candlewood Suites, at 203 Susan Dr. in Normal, Monday through Friday, from nine a.m. to five p.m. through Aug. 12.

Portillo’s has reached an iconic status in the Chicago area, and is known for its beef, burgers, salads, pasta, and chocolate cake.

However, Normal town government leaders faced some criticism for providing about $1.8 million in sales tax rebates to the land’s developer even though the recently-opened Champaign store received no financial assistance.

Mayor Chris Koos defended the incentives back in April, noting Portillo’s is expected to generate up to $400,000 in sales tax revenue each year. He said the Landmark Drive site currently produces up to $40,000 per year.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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