College Station, Texas, November 25, 2025
Portillo’s, the renowned Chicago-based restaurant, is set to open a new location in College Station, Texas. This restaurant will be conveniently located at 701 Texas Ave., near Texas A&M University. With an investment of $2.5 million, the 5,412-square-foot facility is expected to commence construction in late August 2026 and be operational by January 2027. This expansion reflects Portillo’s strategy to enhance its presence in Texas, contributing to local economic growth and introducing more residents to its beloved Chicago-style cuisine.
San Antonio, Texas
Portillo’s to Open New Location in College Station
Portillo’s, the iconic Chicago-based restaurant chain famous for its Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs, is expanding its footprint in Texas with a new location in College Station. The company will invest $2.5 million to establish a 5,412-square-foot restaurant at 701 Texas Ave., conveniently located near Texas A&M University. Construction is slated to begin in late August 2026, with the restaurant expected to open its doors in January 2027.
Expansion Efforts in the Region
The upcoming College Station restaurant is part of Portillo’s broader expansion strategy across Texas. With a strong presence already established in 13 locations primarily in Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Portillo’s is not stopping there. The company also has plans to open three additional locations near San Antonio, including Schertz, Castroville, and New Braunfels. The Schertz restaurant, positioned at the intersection of Interstate 35 and Cibolo Valley Drive, is anticipated to launch in the summer of 2025.
A Legacy of Culinary Delight
Portillo’s has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings in 1963 in Villa Park, Illinois. Starting as a single hot dog stand, it has transformed into a beloved national chain, serving a variety of Chicago-style dishes. The menu boasts an array of customer favorites, such as the Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, sausages, burgers, salads, and their renowned chocolate cake and chocolate cake shake.
Local Economic Impact
The new Portillo’s location in College Station is expected to be a positive economic driver for the local community. As the restaurant gears up to create jobs and offer a vibrant new dining option, local officials and residents alike are expressing enthusiasm about the anticipated benefits. This expansion not only enhances the culinary landscape but also aligns with the ongoing efforts to invigorate the local economy—qualities that resonate with the entrepreneurial spirit of Texas.
The Vital Role of Community Support
As Portillo’s advances its expansion, the collaboration between businesses and local government is crucial. The ability to navigate regulatory frameworks effectively can significantly impact job creation and revenue generation. Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in San Antonio and its surrounding areas encourages further investment and innovation in the local economy.
Conclusion
The incoming Portillo’s in College Station represents not just a new dining option, but a vital opportunity for economic growth and community development. As Texas continues to attract businesses looking to expand, local support for such ventures promotes a resilient economy. Residents are encouraged to welcome new establishments like Portillo’s, which enrich the community and promote local prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Location | College Station, Texas, at 701 Texas Ave., near Texas A&M University |
| Investment | $2.5 million |
| Restaurant Size | 5,412 square feet |
| Construction Start | Late August 2026 |
| Expected Completion | January 2027 |
| Other Nearby Locations | Schertz, Castroville, and New Braunfels |
| Schertz Location Opening | Summer of 2025 |
| Menu Highlights | Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, sausages, burgers, salads, chocolate cake, and chocolate cake shake |
| Community Impact | Expected to boost the local economy by creating jobs and providing a new dining option |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
