CHICAGO (WLS) -- In a historic move for the beloved Chicago fast-food chain, Portillo's is officially entering the breakfast game, launching a pilot program at five locations in the Chicago area starting April 15, 2025. This new breakfast menu comes in response to the growing demand from customers who have been lining up early in the morning at drive-thrus, eager for breakfast options.
Portillo's, known for its hot dogs and Italian beef, has crafted a breakfast menu that features a unique Chicago twist. The offerings include breakfast classics as well as innovative items that reflect the brand's local roots. "This morning I said man I got to come try it," said Urial Zamora, a customer who was eager to sample the new menu items. "We've seen all the hype about it, on the news, advertising," added Caitlin Butkus from Tinley Park.
The breakfast menu is set to be available from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the following locations: Canal and Taylor in Chicago, Elmhurst, Tinley Park, Shorewood, and Niles. If the trial proves successful, Portillo's plans to expand the breakfast offerings to additional locations over the summer.
Among the standout items on the breakfast menu are the Polish sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, the pepper, egg, and cheese sandwich, and a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant. Each sandwich is served on freshly baked French bread or a buttery croissant, with a signature touch of Giardiniera sauce adding a flavorful kick. Satra Wirth, Portillo's director of PR and communications, noted, "We have people at 9 a.m. ready for their Italian beef," emphasizing the chain's commitment to catering to customer cravings.
Additionally, Portillo's has collaborated with Stan's Donuts to create a chocolate cake donut that is exclusively available at their locations. This donut is an old-fashioned style, dipped in chocolate glaze and finished with a swirl of rich chocolate cake frosting. "We created a whole bunch of stuff in our test kitchen and had diner panels. We are doing it for our guest," Wirth explained, highlighting the importance of customer feedback in developing the menu.
For those looking for a heartier option, the Loaded Breakfast Scramble combines scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, and bacon, all smothered in Portillo's creamy cheese sauce. Other sides include crispy hash brown bites and a refreshing fresh fruit cup, making the menu diverse enough to cater to various tastes.
To complement the breakfast offerings, Portillo's is serving locally roasted coffee from Metropolis Coffee Company. Customers can choose from hot or iced options, including the newly introduced Chocolate Cake Iced Coffee, which is inspired by Portillo's famous chocolate cake. Vanilla Iced Coffee is also available for those seeking a smoother morning beverage.
Portillo's is not just launching a breakfast menu; it's making a significant milestone in its 62-year history. The fast-casual chain has always been known for its lunch and dinner offerings, but now it is stepping into the breakfast arena for the first time. This move reflects a broader trend in the fast-food industry, where chains are increasingly expanding their menus to include breakfast items to capture the early-morning crowd.
As customers flock to the locations to try out the new breakfast items, the buzz surrounding Portillo's breakfast launch is palpable. "There is obviously appetite for Portillo's for breakfast," Wirth stated, echoing the sentiments of many eager patrons.
In addition to the breakfast sandwiches and donuts, the menu also features a variety of drink options, including orange juice, apple juice, Monster Energy drinks, milk (regular or chocolate), iced tea (sweet or unsweetened), San Pellegrino, bottled water, and soft drinks. This diverse beverage selection ensures that customers can find the perfect drink to pair with their breakfast.
The breakfast meal deals, priced at $7.99, include a sandwich, a small coffee, and hash brown bites, making it an appealing option for those looking for value without sacrificing quality.
As Portillo's embarks on this breakfast adventure, it remains to be seen how well the new offerings will be received. With the combination of customer enthusiasm and carefully crafted menu items, the chain is poised to make a significant impact in the breakfast market.
In conclusion, Portillo's breakfast menu is not just about serving food; it's about creating an experience that resonates with its loyal customer base. With a mix of traditional breakfast items and Portillo's signature flavors, the chain is set to redefine breakfast in Chicago.
