Giordano’s Bloomington debut delayed to October

Posted on August 2, 2017

 

Giordano’s is now scheduled to open in October on Veterans Parkway, near GE Road, in Bloomington.

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A change in plans means Bloomington-Normal restaurant-goers will have to wait a little longer before they dig into one of Chicago’s favorite stuffed pizzas.

Giordano’s was supposed to open this month at what used to be the Qdoba Mexican restaurant at 1505 N. Veterans Parkway, near GE Road. Owner Aaron Uftring is delaying the opening to early October.

Uftring said construction is well underway at the location, and he’s beginning to hire employees. About 40 full-and-part-timers will be hired, and Uftring has scheduled a full-day of interviews — no appointment needed — on Aug. 28 at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce offices at 2203 E. Empire.

Uftring said the restaurant will have 70 seats, not including the patio.

Giordano’s won’t have to compete now with the much-anticipated opening of Portillo’s on Landmark Drive in Normal. Portillo’s is set to open Aug. 15, just in time for the return of Illinois State University students from their summer break.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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