College Station, Texas, November 25, 2025
Portillo’s, the Chicago-based fast-casual dining chain, announces plans to open a new $2.5 million restaurant in College Station, Texas. Located near Texas A&M University, construction is set to begin in late August 2026, with a projected completion date in January 2027. This expansion comes in response to the growing popularity of its menu, which includes Chicago-style favorites. Despite some recent economic challenges, Portillo’s remains committed to growth in Texas, having already established 13 locations in the state.
Portillo’s Announces $2.5 Million Restaurant in College Station, Texas
San Antonio, Texas – Portillo’s, the beloved Chicago-based fast-casual dining chain renowned for its Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs, is set to make its mark in College Station, Texas. The company has officially announced plans for a new $2.5 million restaurant slated to open at 701 Texas Ave., a strategic location near Texas A&M University. Construction is expected to kick off in late August 2026, with a projected completion date in January 2027.
This announcement reflects Portillo’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in Texas, a state that has rapidly embraced the chain’s iconic menu offerings. With 13 successful locations already operational in Texas, primarily in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth regions, the decision to open in College Station signals strong confidence from the company in the local market’s potential.
Expansion Plans in Texas
While Portillo’s currently has no future restaurant plans within the cities of San Antonio or Austin proper, the company is developing three new locations in the surrounding areas: Schertz, Castroville, and New Braunfels. This ongoing expansion is a testament to the resilience of businesses in Texas, where favorable conditions for entrepreneurial innovation continue to flourish.
Menu Offerings
Portillo’s menu is a tribute to Chicago culinary tradition, featuring a range of favorites such as Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian and Polish sausages, burgers, gravy bread, chicken sandwiches, and a selection of salads. This diverse array allows the restaurant to appeal to a wide customer base, promising enjoyable dining experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Financial Performance
Despite the excitement surrounding expansion, Portillo’s has faced its share of economic hurdles. In the third quarter of 2025, the company reported a net income of $0.8 million, marking a substantial decline of 91.1% compared to the same quarter in 2024. This downturn is largely attributed to decreased operating income and adjustments in tax receivable agreements—a notable challenge for any business navigating the post-pandemic economic landscape.
Strategic Adjustments
In light of recent performance, Portillo’s has employed a strategic reset to align its operational goals for fiscal year 2025. The company now anticipates a decline in same-restaurant sales of 2.0% to 2.5% while projecting total revenue growth between 3% and 5%. Furthermore, the target for new restaurant openings has been adjusted downward to 10-12 units. These adaptations reflect proactive measures to ensure sustainability and growth in a competitive market.
Background
Founded in 1963 from humble beginnings as a hot dog stand in Illinois, Portillo’s has undertaken a remarkable journey to its current status as a national brand. The company is now focusing on expanding beyond its original Chicagoland area, particularly prioritizing growth opportunities in the Sunbelt region, with Texas being a central hub in its development strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Portillo’s new restaurant in Texas located?
Portillo’s is building a $2.5 million restaurant at 701 Texas Ave., near Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Construction is expected to begin in late August 2026, with completion projected for January 2027.
What is Portillo’s menu?
Portillo’s menu features Chicago-style dishes, including Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian and Polish sausages, burgers, gravy bread, chicken sandwiches, and salads.
How many Portillo’s locations are there in Texas?
Portillo’s has 13 locations in Texas, primarily in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas. The company is also developing three locations near San Antonio: Schertz, Castroville, and New Braunfels.
What are Portillo’s financial results for the third quarter of 2025?
In the third quarter of 2025, Portillo’s reported a net income of $0.8 million, a decrease of 91.1% compared to the same period in 2024. This decline was primarily due to a decrease in operating income and a decrease in the tax receivable agreement liability adjustment.
What is Portillo’s strategic plan for 2025?
Portillo’s announced a strategic reset, revising its fiscal year 2025 financial targets. The company now expects same-restaurant sales to decline by 2.0% to 2.5%, with total revenue growth projected at 3% to 5%. The target for new restaurant openings has been reduced to 10-12 units for fiscal 2025.
Key Features of Portillo’s New Restaurant in College Station
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 701 Texas Ave., College Station, Texas |
| Investment | $2.5 million |
| Construction Start | Late August 2026 |
| Projected Completion | January 2027 |
| Menu Highlights | Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian and Polish sausages, burgers, gravy bread, chicken sandwiches, salads |
| Existing Texas Locations | 13 locations, primarily in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas |
| New Developments Near San Antonio | Schertz, Castroville, New Braunfels |
| Third Quarter 2025 Net Income | $0.8 million (91.1% decrease from Q3 2024) |
| Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Targets | Same-restaurant sales decline of 2.0% to 2.5%; total revenue growth of 3% to 5%; 10-12 new restaurant openings |
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